Electroactive polymer devices for moving fluid

ABSTRACT

The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, such as pumps, compressors and fans. The thermodynamic work may be used to provide a driving force for moving the fluid. Work performed on the fluid may be transmitted to other devices, such as a piston in a hydraulic actuation device. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to perform thermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed to efficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such as operating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below the human hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems, such as refrigeration system, cooling systems and heating systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional and claims priority under U.S.C. §120from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/393,506, filed Mar.18, 2003 and entitled, “Electroactive Polymer Devices for Moving Fluid”;this '506 patent application is incorporated herein for all purposes and

claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from co-pending; U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/365,472, by Pelrine, et al.,“Electroactive Polymer Devices For Moving Fluid,” filed Mar. 18, 2002which is incorporated by reference for all purposes;

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,040 entitled “Electroactive PolymerThermal Electric Generators,” filed Feb. 23, 2001, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes and which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from a) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/184,217 filed Feb. 23, 2000, naming Q. Pei et al. asinventors, and titled “Electroelastomers And Their Use For PowerGeneration”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposesand which also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from b) U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/190,713 filed Mar. 17, 2000,naming J. S. Eckerle et al. as inventors, and titled “Artificial MuscleGenerator”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,891,317 entitled “Rolled ElectroactivePolymers,” filed May 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety for all purposes which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/293,003 filed onMay 22, 2001, which is also incorporated by reference for all purposes;

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,086 entitled “Variable StiffnessElectroactive Polymer Systems,” filed Jan. 16, 2002 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes whichclaims priority a) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/293,005 filed May 22, 2001, which is incorporated byreference herein for all purposes; and which claims priority b) under 35U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/327,846entitled Enhanced Multifunctional Footwear and filed Oct. 5, 2001, whichis also incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,624 entitled “Improved ElectroactivePolymers,” filed Jul. 20, 2000 which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety for all purposes which claims priority a) under 35U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/144,556filed Jul. 20, 1999, naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, andtitled “High-speed Electrically Actuated Polymers and Method of Use”,which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes and whichclaims priority b) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/153,329 filed Sep. 10, 1999, naming R. E. Pelrine etal. as inventors, and titled “Electrostrictive Polymers AsMicroactuators”, which is incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes and which claims priority c) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/161,325 filed Oct. 25, 1999,naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Artificial MuscleMicroactuators”, which is incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes and which claims priority d) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/181,404 filed Feb. 9, 2000, namingR. D. Kornbluh et al. as inventors, and titled “Field ActuatedElastomeric Polymers”, which is incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes and which claims priority e) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/187,809 filed Mar. 8, 2000, namingR. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Polymer Actuators andMaterials”, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;and which claims priority f) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/192,237 filed Mar. 27, 2000,naming R. D. Kornbluh et al. as inventors, and titled “Polymer Actuatorsand Materials II”, which is incorporated by reference herein for allpurposes and which claims priority g) under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/184,217 filed Feb. 23, 2000,naming R. E. Pelrine et al. as inventors, and titled “Electroelastomersand their use for Power Generation”, which is incorporated by referenceherein for all purposes;

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,462 entitled “Electroactive PolymerSensors,” filed Dec. 6, 2001, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/293,004 filedMay 22, 2001, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposesand which is also a continuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,859,which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/194,817filed Apr. 5, 2000, all of which are incorporated by reference hereinfor all purposes;

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/066,407entitled “Devices and Methods for Controlling Fluid Flow Using ElasticSheet Deflection,” filed Jan. 31, 2002, which is incorporated byreference herein for all purposes

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-pat and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,718, filed Feb. 7, 2001, by Pelrine,et al, and entitled, “Monolithic Electroactive Polymers,” which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/181,404, which is incorporated by reference for allpurposes

and the '506 patent application is a continuation-in-part and claimspriority from U.S. Pat. No. 6,806,621, filed on Feb. 28, 2002, by Heim,et al. and titled, “Electroactive Polymer Rotary Motors,” which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/273,108, filed Mar. 2, 2001 and titled,“Electroactive Polymer Motors,” both of which are incorporated byreference for all purposes.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.10/383,005, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, by Heim, et al., and entitled,“Electroactive Polymer Devices for Controlling Fluid Flow,” which isincorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to electroactive polymer devicesthat convert between electrical energy and mechanical energy. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to pumping devicescomprising one or more electroactive polymer transducers.

Fluid systems are ubiquitous. The automotive industry, the plumbingindustry, chemical processing industry, computer industry,refrigeration/cooling industry, home appliance industry, and theaerospace industry are a few examples where fluid systems are ofcritical importance. In most fluid systems, it is often desirable toperform thermodynamic work on the fluid in the fluid system. Thethermodynamic work, such as in the case of a pump or fan, may be used toprovide the energy needed to move the fluid in the fluid system from onelocation to another location in the fluid system. As another example,the thermodynamic work may be used to place the fluid in a desirablethermodynamic state, such as compressing the fluid in a refrigerationsystem to convert it from a gas phase to a liquid or compressing thefluid in a combustion system prior to combustion such as in anautomobile engine. In yet another example, thermodynamic work may beperformed on a fluid as a means of energy transfer, such as in ahydraulic lift or hydraulic control system.

In general, pumps, fans and compressors have wide ranging applicationsin both the home and industrial environment. As examples, pumps, fansand/or compressors are used for circulating refrigerant and removingwaste heat in cooling systems (e.g., air conditioning, refrigeration),pumping water in washing machine and dishwashers, removing waste heatfrom heat sources (e.g., CPU) in the computing industry, pressurizingair for pneumatic systems, transporting water for irrigation,transporting oil and gas in pipelines, and moving fluids between variousunit operations in a chemical process plant. Pumps and compressors arealso used widely in biomedical applications including, for example,circulating blood for dialysis or during surgical procedures.

Pumps, fans and compressors have been in existence for centuries forperforming thermodynamic work on a fluid. Conventional pumps andcompressors are predominantly piston-driven with an electric motor;these conventional devices tend to be heavy (bulky), noisy, inefficientat slow speeds (or require gearboxes to step down higher speeds), andcan be mechanically complex and costly. Electric motors are generallydesigned to operate in the 50-500 Hz range. These motors usually operatein the audible range and need to be geared down (with the associatedcost, weight, inefficiency, and complexity) to the proper pump orcompressor frequency. For many applications, there is a need for pumps,fans, compressors and hydraulic devices that are more lightweight,higher power and efficiency, quieter, and lower cost.

New high-performance polymers capable of converting electrical energy tomechanical energy, and vice versa, are now available for a wide range ofenergy conversion applications. One class of these polymers,electroactive elastomers (also called dielectric elastomers,electroelastomers, or EPAM), is gaining wider attention. Electroactiveelastomers may exhibit high energy density, stress, andelectromechanical coupling efficiency. The performance of these polymersis notably increased when the polymers are prestrained in area. Forexample, a 10-fold to 25-fold increase in area significantly improvesperformance of many electroactive elastomers. Actuators and transducersproduced using these materials can be significantly cheaper, lighter andhave a greater operation range as compared to conventional technologiesused for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid in a fluid system.

Thus, improved techniques for implementing these high-performancepolymers in devices used for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid ina fluid system would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on afluid, such as pumps, compressors and fans. The thermodynamic work maybe used to provide a driving force for moving the fluid. Work performedon the fluid may be transmitted to other devices, such as a piston in ahydraulic actuation device. The devices may include one or moreelectroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer thatdeflects in response to an application of an electric field. Theelectroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where thedeflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to performthermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed toefficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such asoperating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below thehuman hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems,such as refrigeration system, cooling systems and heating systems.

One aspect of the present invention provides a device for performingthermodynamic work on a fluid. The device may be generally characterizedas comprising: i) one or more transducers, each transducer comprising atleast two electrodes and an electroactive polymer in electricalcommunication with the at least two electrodes wherein a portion of theelectroactive polymer is arranged to deflect from a first position to asecond position in response to a change in electric field; and at leastone surface in contact with a fluid and operatively coupled to the oneor more transducers wherein the deflection of the portion of theelectroactive polymer causes the thermodynamic work to be imparted tothe fluid wherein the thermodynamic work is transmitted to the fluid viathe one surface. The deflection of the one portion of the electroactivepolymer may generate one of rotational motion, linear motion,vibrational motion or combinations thereof for the one surface. Thethermodynamic work may provide a driving force to move the fluid from afirst location to a second location.

The device may be one of a pump, a compressor, a hydraulic actuator anda fan. In particular, the device may be one of air compressor, a bellowsbump, a fuel pump and a centrifugal pump. The device is one of a pump ora compressor for a refrigeration system.

The device may be a fan used in a ventilation system where the fluid isair. The device may be used in a thermal control system for controllinga temperature at one or more locations in a second device. As anexample, the second device may be a computer and one of the locations isproximate to a microprocessor for the computer. The fluid may be usedfor conducting heat energy from a first location to a second location inthe second device. In a particular embodiment, a portion of the fluidmay be in a liquid phase.

In a particular embodiment, the device may further comprise a chamberfor receiving the fluid where a bounding surface of the chamber includesthe one surface. The deflection of the portion of the electroactivepolymer causes a change in a volume of the chamber. The change in thevolume in the chamber may compress the fluid in the chamber, may expandthe fluid in the chamber, may draw fluid into the chamber or may expelfluid from the chamber. The change in the volume in the chamber may alsocause a phase state change in at least a portion of the fluid, such asfrom a liquid to a gas or from a gas to a liquid.

In other embodiments, the chamber may be formed from one of a bladder ora bellows. The deflection of the portion of the electroactive polymermay squeeze the bladder or bellows to reduce a volume of the bladder orthe bellows. The deflection of the portion of the electroactive polymermay also stretch the bladder or bellows to increase a volume of thebladder or the bellows. In yet another embodiment, the chamber may beformed from a cylinder and a piston wherein the one surface is a portionof a piston head.

In another embodiment, the device may further comprise a fan blade wherethe one surface is a portion of a surface of the fan blade. Thedeflection of the portion of the electroactive polymer may cause the fanblade to rotate. The deflection of the portion of the electroactive maycause 1) a shape of the fan blade to change to alter an aerodynamicperformance of the fan blade, 2) a pitch of the fan blade to change and3) a change in one of an aeroelastic property or an aeroacousticproperty of the fan blade. The fan blade is a component in a fan, a pumpor a compressor.

The device may also comprise one or more fluid conduits used to provideat least a portion of a flow path for allowing the fluid to travelthrough the device and one or more valves for controlling one of a flowrate, a flow direction and combinations thereof of the fluid through theflow path. The one or more valves may be a check valve. The device mayfurther comprise a heat exchanger for adding or for removing heat energyfrom the fluid. In a particular embodiment, one or more portions of theelectroactive polymer may act as the heat exchanger.

In other embodiment, the deflection of the portion of the polymer mayinduces a wave like motion in the one surface where the wave like motionimparts the thermodynamic work to the fluid. The device may furthercomprise a fluid conduit where the deflection of the portion of theelectroactive polymer generates a peristaltic motion in the fluidconduit to move the fluid through the fluid conduit or where thedeflection of the portion of electroactive polymer generates a wave-likemotion in the fluid conduit to move fluid in the fluid conduit throughthe conduit. The fluid conduit may be comprised of an EPAM rolltransducer.

The device may further comprise a force return mechanism where the forcereturn mechanism provides at least a portion of a force for returningthe portion of the electroactive polymer from the second position to thefirst position. The force return mechanism may be a spring. The devicemay also comprise a bias mechanism for biasing a direction of deflectionof the portion of the electroactive polymer. The bias mechanism may beone of a spring or an insert. The device may also comprise an outputshaft designed to receive a hydraulic force generated from a pressure inthe fluid where the deflection in the portion of the electroactivepolymer causes the pressure in the fluid to increase and provide thehydraulic force for moving the output shaft.

In yet other embodiment, the device may be a stage in one of amulti-stage pump or a multi-stage compressor. An acoustic signalgenerated by an operation of the device may be above or below a humanhearing range. Further, an operating frequency at which the portion ofthe electroactive polymer deflects is above or below a human hearingrange. For instance, the operating frequency may be below 30 Hz.

The device may further comprise a housing for enclosing the one or moretransducers and the one surface. A flatness parameter defined as aheight of the housing squared divided by a foot print area of thehousing may be substantially less than 1. In particular, the flatnessparameter may be less than about 0.1. Alternatively, the flatnessparameter may be less than about 0.05. Further, the flatness parametermay be less than about 0.01.

In a particular embodiment, the device may further comprise a clampplate with a plurality of apertures where the electroactive polymer isan electroactive polymer film designed to deflect into the plurality ofapertures. Further, the device may comprise a lower chamber designed tomount to the clamp plate and to secure the film between the clamp plateand the lower chamber. A pumping chamber for receiving the fluid may beformed by a portion of a surface of the lower chamber and a portion of asurface of the film. The lower chamber may comprise one or more fluidconduits for conducting the fluid to the pumping chamber and forconducting the fluid away from the pumping chamber.

In particular embodiments, the deflection of the portion of theelectroactive polymer may change the one surface from a first shape to asecond shape. For instance, the one surface may expand to form one of aballoon-like shape, a hemispherical shape, a cylinder shape, or ahalf-cylinder shape. The one surface may be operatively coupled to theone or more transducers via a mechanical linkage. Further, the onesurface may be an outer surface of the portion of the electroactivepolymer.

The fluid may be compressible, incompressible or combinations thereof.The fluid may also be one of homogeneous or heterogeneous. Further, thefluid may behave as a Newtonian fluid or a non-Newtonian fluid. Thefluid is selected from the group consisting of a mixture, a slurry, asuspension, a mixture of two or more immiscible liquids and combinationsthereof. The fluid may include one or constituents in a state selectedfrom the group consisting of a liquid, a gas, a plasma, a solid, a phasechange and combinations thereof.

In other embodiments, the polymer may comprise a material selected fromthe group consisting of a silicone elastomer, an acrylic elastomer, apolyurethane, a copolymer comprising PVDF, and combinations thereof. Thedevice may include an insulation barrier designed or configured toprotect the one surface from constituents of the fluid in contact withthe one surface or one or more support structures designed or configuredto attach to the one or more transducers. The electroactive polymer maybe elastically pre-strained at the first position to improve amechanical response of the electroactive polymer between the firstposition and second position, may an elastic modulus below about 100 MPaand may have an elastic area strain of at least about 10 percent betweenthe first position and the second position.

The polymer may comprise a multilayer structure where the multilayerstructure comprises two or more layers of electroactive polymers. Thedevice may be fabricated on a semiconductor substrate.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bedescribed in the following description of the invention and associatedfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a top view of a transducer portion before andafter application of a voltage, respectively, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) devices that use aflagella-like motion for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid.

FIGS. 2E-2F illustrate Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) devices with abellows for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid.

FIG. 2G illustrates an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) device forperforming thermodynamic work on a fluid with a piston driven by an EPAMtransducer and an EPAM transducer for controlling a volume of the pistoncylinder.

FIG. 2H illustrates an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) device forperforming thermodynamic work on a fluid with a fan driven by an EPAMtransducer and an EPAM transducer for controlling a shape and attitudeof the fan blades.

FIG. 2I illustrates an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) spherical pumpingdevice for circulating a cooling fluid over a heat source.

FIG. 2J illustrates one embodiment of an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM)peristaltic pumping device.

FIG. 2K illustrates one embodiment of an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM)wave motion pumping device.

FIGS. 2L and 2M illustrate an embodiment of a bellows spring rolltransducer.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a first embodiment of an EPAM tube pumpingdevice.

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate one embodiment of an EPAM hydraulic cylinderdevice

FIG. 3E illustrates a second embodiment of an EPAM tube pumping device.

FIG. 3F illustrates an embodiment of a EPAM diaphragm array pump.

FIGS. 3G and 3H illustrate an embodiment of an EPAM film pump.

FIGS. 3I and 3J illustrate an embodiment of a multi-stage EPAMcompressor or pumping device.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a rolled electroactive polymer device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4E illustrates an end piece for the rolled electroactive polymerdevice of FIG. 2A in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4F illustrates a bending transducer for providing variablestiffness based on structural changes related to polymer deflection inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4G illustrates the transducer of FIG. 4A with a 90 degree bendingangle.

FIG. 4H illustrates a bow device suitable for providing variablestiffness in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4I illustrates the bow device of FIG. 4C after actuation.

FIG. 4J illustrates a monolithic transducer comprising a plurality ofactive areas on a single polymer in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4K illustrates a monolithic transducer comprising a plurality ofactive areas on a single polymer, before rolling, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4L illustrates a rolled transducer that produces two-dimensionaloutput in accordance with one environment of the present invention.

FIG. 4M illustrates the rolled transducer of FIG. 4L with actuation forone set of radially aligned active areas.

FIG. 4N illustrates an electrical schematic of an open loop variablestiffness/damping system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5A is block diagram of one or more active areas connected to powerconditioning electronics.

FIG. 5B is a circuit schematic of a device employing a rolledelectroactive polymer transducer for one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a sensor employing an electroactive polymertransducer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a human connected to EPAM devices thatperform thermodynamic work on a fluid.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of automobile and automobile subsystems thatemploy EPAM devices that perform thermodynamic work on a fluid.

FIG. 7C is a block diagram of an EPAM device for performingthermodynamic work on a fluid in an inkjet printer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described in detail with reference to a fewpreferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structureshave not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscurethe present invention.

1. Electroactive Polymers

In section, before describing electroactive polymer (EPAM) devices ofthe present invention for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, thebasic principles of electroactive polymer construction and operationwill first be illuminated in regards to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. In section2, embodiments of devices and systems with EPAM transducers and theiroperation, such as pumps, compressors, fans and hydraulic cylinders aredescribed with respect to FIGS. 2A-2K and 3A-3J. In section 3,embodiments of EPAM transducers of the present invention are describedin regards to FIGS. 4A-4N. In section 4, sensing applications aredescribed. In section 5, conditioning electronics of the presentinvention are described with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In section 6, afew examples of applications such as biological applications, automobileapplications and printing applications, are described.

The transformation between electrical and mechanical energy in devicesof the present invention is based on energy conversion of one or moreactive areas of an electroactive polymer. Electroactive polymers arecapable of converting between mechanical energy and electrical energy.In some cases, an electroactive polymer may change electrical properties(for example, capacitance and resistance) with changing mechanicalstrain.

To help illustrate the performance of an electroactive polymer inconverting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, FIG. 1Aillustrates a top perspective view of a transducer portion 10 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The transducerportion 10 comprises a portion of an electroactive polymer 12 forconverting between electrical energy and mechanical energy. In oneembodiment, an electroactive polymer refers to a polymer that acts as aninsulating dielectric between two electrodes and may deflect uponapplication of a voltage difference between the two electrodes (a‘dielectric elastomer’). Top and bottom electrodes 14 and 16 areattached to the electroactive polymer 12 on its top and bottom surfaces,respectively, to provide a voltage difference across polymer 12, or toreceive electrical energy from the polymer 12. Polymer 12 may deflectwith a change in electric field provided by the top and bottomelectrodes 14 and 16. Deflection of the transducer portion 10 inresponse to a change in electric field provided by the electrodes 14 and16 is referred to as ‘actuation’. Actuation typically involves theconversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy. As polymer 12changes in size, the deflection may be used to produce mechanical work.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, in someembodiments, the polymer 12 may be considered to behave in anelectrostrictive manner. The term electrostrictive is used here in ageneric sense to describe the stress and strain response of a materialto the square of an electric field. The term is often reserved to referto the strain response of a material in an electric field that arisesfrom field induced intra-molecular forces but we are using the term moregenerally to refer to other mechanisms that may result in a response tothe square of the field. Electrostriction is distinguished frompiezoelectric behavior in that the response is proportional to thesquare of the electric field, rather than proportional to the field. Theelectrostriction of a polymer with compliant electrodes may result fromelectrostatic forces generated between free charges on the electrodes(sometimes referred to as “Maxwell stress”) and is proportional to thesquare of the electric field. The actual strain response in this casemay be quite complicated depending on the internal and external forceson the polymer, but the electrostatic pressure and stresses areproportional to the square of the field.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top perspective view of the transducer portion 10including deflection. In general, deflection refers to any displacement,expansion, contraction, torsion, linear or area strain, or any otherdeformation of a portion of the polymer 12. For actuation, a change inelectric field corresponding to the voltage difference applied to or bythe electrodes 14 and 16 produces mechanical pressure within polymer 12.In this case, the unlike electrical charges produced by electrodes 14and 16 attract each other and provide a compressive force betweenelectrodes 14 and 16 and an expansion force on polymer 12 in planardirections 18 and 20, causing polymer 12 to compress between electrodes14 and 16 and stretch in the planar directions 18 and 20.

Electrodes 14 and 16 are compliant and change shape with polymer 12. Theconfiguration of polymer 12 and electrodes 14 and 16 provides forincreasing polymer 12 response with deflection. More specifically, asthe transducer portion 10 deflects, compression of polymer 12 brings theopposite charges of electrodes 14 and 16 closer and the stretching ofpolymer 12 separates similar charges in each electrode. In oneembodiment, one of the electrodes 14 and 16 is ground. For actuation,the transducer portion 10 generally continues to deflect untilmechanical forces balance the electrostatic forces driving thedeflection. The mechanical forces include elastic restoring forces ofthe polymer 12 material, the compliance of electrodes 14 and 16, and anyexternal resistance provided by a device and/or load coupled to thetransducer portion 10, etc. The deflection of the transducer portion 10as a result of an applied voltage may also depend on a number of otherfactors such as the polymer 12 dielectric constant and the size ofpolymer 12.

Electroactive polymers in accordance with the present invention arecapable of deflection in any direction. After application of a voltagebetween the electrodes 14 and 16, the electroactive polymer 12 increasesin size in both planar directions 18 and 20. In some cases, theelectroactive polymer 12 is incompressible, e.g. has a substantiallyconstant volume under stress. In this case, the polymer 12 decreases inthickness as a result of the expansion in the planar directions 18 and20. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited toincompressible polymers and deflection of the polymer 12 may not conformto such a simple relationship.

Application of a relatively large voltage difference between electrodes14 and 16 on the transducer portion 10 shown in FIG. 1A will causetransducer portion 10 to change to a thinner, larger area shape as shownin FIG. 1B. In this manner, the transducer portion 10 convertselectrical energy to mechanical energy. The transducer portion 10 mayalso be used to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy.

For actuation, the transducer portion 10 generally continues to deflectuntil mechanical forces balance the electrostatic forces driving thedeflection. The mechanical forces include elastic restoring forces ofthe polymer 12 material, the compliance of electrodes 14 and 16, and anyexternal resistance provided by a device and/or load coupled to thetransducer portion 10, etc. The deflection of the transducer portion 10as a result of an applied voltage may also depend on a number of otherfactors such as the polymer 12 dielectric constant and the size ofpolymer 12.

In one embodiment, electroactive polymer 12 is pre-strained. Pre-strainof a polymer may be described, in one or more directions, as the changein dimension in a direction after pre-straining relative to thedimension in that direction before pre-straining. The pre-strain maycomprise elastic deformation of polymer 12 and be formed, for example,by stretching the polymer in tension and fixing one or more of the edgeswhile stretched. Alternatively, as will be described in greater detailbelow, a mechanism such as a spring may be coupled to different portionsof an electroactive polymer and provide a force that strains a portionof the polymer. For many polymers, pre-strain improves conversionbetween electrical and mechanical energy. The improved mechanicalresponse enables greater mechanical work for an electroactive polymer,e.g., larger deflections and actuation pressures. In one embodiment,prestrain improves the dielectric strength of the polymer. In anotherembodiment, the prestrain is elastic. After actuation, an elasticallypre-strained polymer could, in principle, be unfixed and return to itsoriginal state.

In one embodiment, pre-strain is applied uniformly over a portion ofpolymer 12 to produce an isotropic pre-strained polymer. By way ofexample, an acrylic elastomeric polymer may be stretched by 200 to 400percent in both planar directions. In another embodiment, pre-strain isapplied unequally in different directions for a portion of polymer 12 toproduce an anisotropic pre-strained polymer. In this case, polymer 12may deflect greater in one direction than another when actuated. Whilenot wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that pre-straining apolymer in one direction may increase the stiffness of the polymer inthe pre-strain direction. Correspondingly, the polymer is relativelystiffer in the high pre-strain direction and more compliant in the lowpre-strain direction and, upon actuation, more deflection occurs in thelow pre-strain direction. In one embodiment, the deflection in direction18 of transducer portion 10 can be enhanced by exploiting largepre-strain in the perpendicular direction 20. For example, an acrylicelastomeric polymer used as the transducer portion 10 may be stretchedby 10 percent in direction 18 and by 500 percent in the perpendiculardirection 20. The quantity of pre-strain for a polymer may be based onthe polymer material and the desired performance of the polymer in anapplication. Pre-strain suitable for use with the present invention isfurther described in commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/619,848, which is incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

Generally, after the polymer is pre-strained, it may be fixed to one ormore objects or mechanisms. For a rigid object, the object is preferablysuitably stiff to maintain the level of pre-strain desired in thepolymer. A spring or other suitable mechanism that provides a force tostrain the polymer may add to any prestrain previously established inthe polymer before attachment to the spring or mechanisms, or may beresponsible for all the prestrain in the polymer. The polymer may befixed to the one or more objects or mechanisms according to anyconventional method known in the art such as a chemical adhesive, anadhesive layer or material, mechanical attachment, etc.

Transducers and pre-strained polymers of the present invention are notlimited to any particular rolled geometry or type of deflection. Forexample, the polymer and electrodes may be formed into any geometry orshape including tubes and multi-layer rolls, rolled polymers attachedbetween multiple rigid structures, rolled polymers attached across aframe of any geometry—including curved or complex geometries, across aframe having one or more joints, etc. Similar structures may be usedwith polymers in flat sheets. Deflection of a transducer according tothe present invention includes linear expansion and compression in oneor more directions, bending, axial deflection when the polymer isrolled, deflection out of a hole provided on an outer cylindrical aroundthe polymer, etc. Deflection of a transducer may be affected by how thepolymer is constrained by a frame or rigid structures attached to thepolymer.

Materials suitable for use as an electroactive polymer with the presentinvention may include any substantially insulating polymer or rubber (orcombination thereof) that deforms in response to an electrostatic forceor whose deformation results in a change in electric field. One suitablematerial is NuSil CF19-2186 as provided by NuSil Technology ofCarpenteria, Calif. Other exemplary materials suitable for use as apre-strained polymer include silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomerssuch as VHB 4910 acrylic elastomer as produced by 3M Corporation of St.Paul, Minn., polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymerscomprising PVDF, pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers,polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like.Polymers comprising silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymerscomprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising asilicone elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example. Combinationsof some of these materials may also be used as the electroactive polymerin transducers of this invention.

Materials used as an electroactive polymer may be selected based on oneor more material properties such as a high electrical breakdownstrength, a low modulus of elasticity—(for large or small deformations),a high dielectric constant, etc. In one embodiment, the polymer isselected such that is has an elastic modulus at most about 100 MPa. Inanother embodiment, the polymer is selected such that is has a maximumactuation pressure between about 0.05 MPa and about 10 MPa, andpreferably between about 0.3 MPa and about 3 MPa. In another embodiment,the polymer is selected such that is has a dielectric constant betweenabout 2 and about 20, and preferably between about 2.5 and about 12. Thepresent invention is not limited to these ranges. Ideally, materialswith a higher dielectric constant than the ranges given above would bedesirable if the materials had both a high dielectric constant and ahigh dielectric strength.

An electroactive polymer layer in transducers of the present inventionmay have a wide range of thicknesses. In one embodiment, polymerthickness may range between about 1 micrometer and 2 millimeters.Polymer thickness may be reduced by stretching the film in one or bothplanar directions. In many cases, electroactive polymers of the presentinvention may be fabricated and implemented as thin films. Thicknessessuitable for these thin films may be below 50 micrometers.

As electroactive polymers of the present invention may deflect at highstrains, electrodes attached to the polymers should also deflect withoutcompromising mechanical or electrical performance. Generally, electrodessuitable for use with the present invention may be of any shape andmaterial provided that they are able to supply a suitable voltage to, orreceive a suitable voltage from, an electroactive polymer. The voltagemay be either constant or varying over time. In one embodiment, theelectrodes adhere to a surface of the polymer. Electrodes adhering tothe polymer are preferably compliant and conform to the changing shapeof the polymer. Correspondingly, the present invention may includecompliant electrodes that conform to the shape of an electroactivepolymer to which they are attached. The electrodes may be only appliedto a portion of an electroactive polymer and define an active areaaccording to their geometry. Several examples of electrodes that onlycover a portion of an electroactive polymer will be described in furtherdetail below.

Various types of electrodes suitable for use with the present inventionare described in commonly owned, co-pending U.S. patent application No.09/619,848, which was previously incorporated by reference above.Electrodes described therein and suitable for use with the presentinvention include structured electrodes comprising metal traces andcharge distribution layers, textured electrodes comprising varying outof plane dimensions, conductive greases such as carbon greases or silvergreases, colloidal suspensions, high aspect ratio conductive materialssuch as carbon fibrils and carbon nanotubes, and mixtures of ionicallyconductive materials.

Materials used for electrodes of the present invention may vary.Suitable materials used in an electrode may include graphite, carbonblack, colloidal suspensions, thin metals including silver and gold,silver filled and carbon filled gels and polymers, and ionically orelectronically conductive polymers. In a specific embodiment, anelectrode suitable for use with the present invention comprises 80percent carbon grease and 20 percent carbon black in a silicone rubberbinder such as Stockwell RTV60-CON as produced by Stockwell Rubber Co.Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa. The carbon grease is of the type such asNyoGel 756G as provided by Nye Lubricant Inc. of Fairhaven, Mass. Theconductive grease may also be mixed with an elastomer, such as siliconelastomer RTV 118 as produced by General Electric of Waterford, N.Y., toprovide a gel-like conductive grease.

It is understood that certain electrode materials may work well withparticular polymers and may not work as well for others. By way ofexample, carbon fibrils work well with acrylic elastomer polymers whilenot as well with silicone polymers. For most transducers, desirableproperties for the compliant electrode may include one or more of thefollowing: low modulus of elasticity, low mechanical damping, lowsurface resistivity, uniform resistivity, chemical and environmentalstability, chemical compatibility with the electroactive polymer, goodadherence to the electroactive polymer, and the ability to form smoothsurfaces. In some cases, a transducer of the present invention mayimplement two different types of electrodes, e.g. a different electrodetype for each active area or different electrode types on opposing sidesof a polymer.

2. EPAM Devices for Performing Thermodynamic Work on a Fluid

The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on afluid, such as pumps, compressors and fans (see FIGS. 2A-3J). Thethermodynamic work may be used to provide a driving force for moving thefluid. Work performed on the fluid may be transmitted to other devices,such as a piston in a hydraulic actuation device (e.g., see FIGS. 3C and3D). The devices may include one or more electroactive polymertransducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response toan application of an electric field (e.g., see FIGS. 1A-1B and 4A-4M).The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where thedeflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to performthermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed toefficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such asoperating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below thehuman hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems(e.g., see FIGS. 2A-2D and 2I), such as refrigeration system, coolingsystems and heating systems.

In the present invention, EPAM devices for providing thermodynamic workon a fluid are described. The laws of thermodynamics deal withinteractions between a system and its surroundings. In one definition,thermodynamic work may be said to be done by a system on itssurroundings if some other process can be found in which the systempasses through the same series of states as in the original process, butin which the sole effect in the surroundings is the rise of a weight.For instance, a storage battery, which may be considered a system, maybe discharged to light a light bulb. If the bulb were displaced by anelectric motor having very large conductors and a pulley on which iswound a string suspending a weight, then the storage battery could passthrough the same series of states with no net outside effect except therise in the weight. Thus, the storage battery could be said to dothermodynamic work in the original process. When a system does work toits surrounding, then the surroundings receive the same amount of workfrom the system. Details of thermodynamic work by a system and inparticular thermodynamic work in fluid systems are described in “TheDynamics and Thermodynamics of compressible fluid flow,” by Shapiro,1953, John Wiley and Sons, ISBN 047106691-5, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety and for all purposes.

In the present invention, embodiments of EPAM devices with EPAMtransducers for providing thermodynamic work on a fluid are described.The fluids of the present invention may include materials in states of aliquid, a gas, a plasma, a phase change, a solid or combinationsthereof. The fluid may behave as a non-Newtonian fluid or a Newtonianfluid. Further, the fluid may be homogenous or non-homogeneous. Also,the fluid may be incompressible or compressible. Examples of fluids inthe present invention include but are not limited to a gas, a plasma, aliquid, a mixture of two or more immiscible liquids, a supercriticalfluid, a slurry, a suspension, and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) devices that use aflagella-like motion for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid. InFIG. 2A, a linear flagella pump comprising four EPAM transducersattached to a support structure 303 are shown. The EPAM transducers 302may be shaped in rolls as shown in FIG. 4M, or shaped in flat sheets asshown in FIGS. 4F and 4G. In general, the geometry of the EPAMtransducer may be tailored to any general shape as required by theapplication. The EPAM transducers 302 may be controlled to perform awave like motion from the support structure to the end of thetransducers, such that a fluid moves in a generally parallel directionas indicated by the flow direction arrow 301. The bending element (suchas a unimorph structure comprising a non-extensible element bonded to anelectroactive polymer film with electrodes) is waved rapidly to createan air flow, similar to the way a human uses a manual fan. The wavelikemotion can be amplified by operating at one of the fan's naturalfrequency.

The fluid may be stagnant prior to the activation of the EPAMtransducers or the fluid may have an initial velocity profile. The EPAMtransducers 303 may be controlled independently. For instance, the wavelike motion on each transducer may be generally the same or may bedifferent. Also, the transducers may be actuated in a time varyingsequence. For instance, a wave like motion may be initiated on firstpair of transducers while the other two remain inactive, followed by aninitiation of a wave like motion on the other pair of transducers afterthe motion on the first pair of transducers is complete. The transducersmay operate in phase or out of phase. In one embodiment, if the supportstructure 303 is unanchored, then the thermodynamic work done by thetransducers on the fluid may be used to propel the support structure 303and the transducers forward through the fluid.

In FIGS. 2B and 2C, embodiments of radial flagella pumps are shown.Again, four EPAM transducers are attached to a support structure. TheEPAM transducers may be controlled to move the fluid radially outwardfrom the center of the support structure. For instance, if the supportstructures are located above a heat source, the radial motion generatedby the pump 305 could be used to move a heated fluid away from the heatsource.

In one embodiment, the support structure 303 may be mounted to a rotaryshaft that allows the support structure 303 to rotate. In thisembodiment, a motion of the transducers may be generated that provide anangular momentum to the support structure 303. In this case, the supportstructure and all of the transducers may start to rotate, like a fan,which may move the fluid in a direction that is proximatelyperpendicular to the radial motion of the direction of the fluid 301.When the transducers act as fan blades, their shape, such as theirpitch, may be controlled to increase or decrease their aerodynamicefficiency. Further details of a dynamic EPAM fan blade are describedwith respect to FIG. 2H.

In FIG. 2C, four EPAM transducers 302 are arranged to direct a fluidradially inward to a location that is proximately central to the fourtransducers. For instance, the location between the four transducers maybe a vent for a system, such as a vent in an enclosure for a computingsystem, such as a personal computer. In another embodiment, the fourtransducers may be used for thermal control and the location between thefour transducers may be a cool spot where a warmer fluid is beingdirected.

In general, the EPAM devices for providing thermodynamic work of thepresent invention may be used as a component in a thermal controlsystem. For instance, a plurality of the EPAM devices may be wired to acentral controller, such as microcontroller or a microprocessor. Thecentral controller may also be also connected to a plurality of sensors,such as flow rate sensors and temperature sensor. In some embodiments,the EPAM devices may also act as a sensor or part of a sensing system(see section 4). The central controller may monitor the temperaturesensor and flow rate sensors and control the EPAM transducers tomaintain a prescribed temperature distribution in a system that is beingmonitored. For instance, the system may be a fabricated article thatneeds to be cooled or heated with a very uniform thermal distribution toprevent thermal stresses from building inside the article during thecooling or heating process.

In FIG. 2D, a variable linear flagella pump is illustrated. In thisembodiment, the size of the transducers is variable. The two middletransducers are larger than the two outside transducers. Thus, the flowrate in the middle may be greater than towards the outside. However, insome embodiments, this effect may also be achieved by simply movingidentically shaped transducers faster or slower relative to one oranother or in a different movement pattern. The transducers 302 arelocated next to cooling fins 307. The cooling fins may be used toconduct heat away from the fluid that is moved by the motion of thetransducers 302 through the cooling fins. The cooling fins and thetransducers may be part of a larger thermal control system.

In one embodiment, the transducers 302 may be used to conduct heat awayfrom the fluid or add heat to the fluid as part of a thermal controlsystem. For example, the transducers may be designed to conduct heat tothe support structure 303. The support structure 303 may include a heatsink and a connection to a thermal conduit for removing heat from theheat sink in the support structure. The EPAM polymer may be used as athermal conductor or thermal insulator. Thus, the material properties ofthe EPAM polymer in the transducer may be designed to increase ordecrease the thermal conductivity of the material as required by aparticular system.

In one embodiment, transducers with bending elements (i.e., flagella) of1-20 mm may be used for microchip cooling. The EPAM transducers may becapable of large bending angles. For instance, the devices may generateover 270 degrees of bending at scales of 5-10 mm. The larger bendingangle may enable a greater fluid flow for microchip cooling.

A microchip cooler using one more bending polymer fans/pumps offers anumber of potential advantages. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the bending fancan be easily configured in many different ways, thus allowing the fanto be optimized for the specific cooling requirements of the microchip.Polymer bending elements can be efficient at low speeds (unlike electricmotors), allowing operation below acoustic frequencies and reducing oreliminating fan noise. For environments, such as home entertainmentsystems, low-noise may be advantageous. Bending elements also eliminatebearing noise and possible failure found in electromagnetic basedmicrochip fans.

FIGS. 2E-2F illustrate Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) devices with abellows for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid. In FIG. 2E, oneembodiment of a bellows pump 310 is described. An EPAM transducer 302 isconnected between a support 313 and a support structure 303 with a flowconduit. The support is attached to the support structure 303 by alinkage that allows the support 313 to pivot at a linkage point with thesupport structure. Between the support and the support structure is abladder 312. Two flow conduits 314 are connected to a chamber that isbounded by the bladder 312.

When voltage is supplied to the EPAM transducer 302, the transducerextends and pushes the support 313 up and acts against a force returnmechanism 311, such as a spring. The upward motion increases the volumeof the bladder to draw fluid into the bladder from the flow conduit inthe direction shown by the arrows. The fluid is drawn into the bladdervia suction that arises from an increase in volume of the bladder. Checkvalves may be included in the flow conduit 314 to ensure that the fluidflows in the direction shown by the arrows. When voltage is reduced orremoved from the transducer 302, the transducer 302 decreases in length,pulling the support downwards. As support is pulled downward, thebladder 312 is squeezed and fluid is expelled from the bladder and outthe front of the device 310. The rate of flow out of the bladder 312 maybe controlled by a rate at which voltage is decreased to the transducer302 and by the force supplied to the support from the return mechanism311.

In FIG. 2F, a second embodiment of a bellows pump 315 is illustrated.The bellows pump includes a bladder 312 designed to fold in an accordionlike manner when compressed. The bladder 312 is mounted between twosupport plates 303. A fluid conduit 314 passes through each of thesupport plates 303. The fluid conduits 314 include two check valves 316that force the fluid to flow in the direction indicated by the arrows.The support plates are 303 are connected via a plurality of EPAMtransducers 302. The bladder 312 is surrounding by a force returnmechanism 311, such as a coil spring.

When energy is supplied to the EPAM transducers 302, the EPAMtransducers 302 extend in length and the bladder 312 increases in volumedrawing fluid into the bladder and lengthening the coil spring 311. Whenenergy is removed or decreased to the EPAM transducers 302, the EPAMtransducers contract and the support plates may be pulled together bythe coil spring, reducing the volume of the bladder 312 and expellingfluid from the bladder 312 via the flow conduit. The force returnmechanism (e.g., the spring) is not required and the EPAM device 315 mayfunction without a force return mechanism. For instance, when it isstretched, mechanical forces generated in the EPAM polymer in thetransducer 302 may provide a returning force when the voltage is removedor reduced on the EPAM polymer. Transducer 302 can also be a tubulartransducer that completely encircles the bellows. Tubular transducersare described in more detail below. Besides a bellows pump, the presentinvention may be used in many types of pump designs. These pump designsinclude but are not limited to a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, arotary pump, a gear pump and an air-lift pump.

FIG. 2G illustrates an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) device 320 forperforming thermodynamic work on a fluid with a piston driven by an EPAMtransducer and an EPAM transducer for controlling a volume of the pistoncylinder. The piston driven pump 320 includes two fluid conduits withcheck valves 316 designed to limit a movement of the of the fluid to thedirections of the arrow. A piston 317 is designed to move up and down322 in a cylinder 318. When the piston moves up the volume of a pumpingchamber formed by the cylinder and the piston is increased and the fluidis drawn into pumping chamber. When the piston moves downward, thevolume of the pumping chamber decreases and the fluid is pushed out ofthe chamber.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a top surface of the piston317 may include an EPAM transducer 323. For instance, when the piston iscylindrical, the EPAM transducer 323 may be a circular diaphragm. TheEPAM transducer 323 may be deflected to change the volume of the pumpingchamber. With traditional devices using pistons, the volume of thepumping chamber goes from a maximum when the piston is at the top of itsstroke to minimum when the piston is at a bottom of its stroke. Themaximum and minimum volumes as well as the volumes between the maximumand minimum are fixed at each location as the piston travels on its pathin the cylinder. With the present invention, the EPAM transducer 323 maybe deflected to allow the volume of the pumping chamber to vary at eachlocation as the piston travels on its path in the cylinder.

By changing the volume of the pumping chamber by deflecting the EPAMtransducer 323, the operating conditions of the pumping device, such asthe amount of fluid pumped by the device may be changed. This effectcould also be achieved by controlling the speed at which the pistonoperates. However, if it is advantageous to run the piston at aparticular speed, such as for efficiency purposes or for noiseconsiderations, the fluid pumping rate may be changed without changingthe rate at which the piston moves by changing the volume of the pumpingchamber by deflecting the EPAM transducer 323.

The piston 317 is driven by two EPAM transducers 302. The EPAMtransducers 302 are connected to a housing 321 and a support structure303. The transducers 302 may increase and decrease in length when avoltage is applied to the transducers as indicated by the directionarrows 322. Conditioning electronics and a power supply not shown (seeFIGS. 5A, 5B and 6) may be used to supply power to the transducers 302.A force in the direction of motion 322 on the support structure 303generated by the transducers 302 may be transferred by a mechanicallinkage 319 to a generate the motion 322 of the piston 317 in thecylinder. There are a wide variety of mechanical linkages known in theprior art and the present invention is not limited to the example shownin FIG. 2G.

The use of the EPAM transducers to drive the piston 322 has manyadvantages over the use of conventional motors, such as electricalmotors. One advantage is that EPAM transducers 302 are generally lighterin weight than electric motors. Another advantage is the EPAMtransducers may operate efficiently at a larger number of operatingconditions than an electric motor. The flexibility in operatingconditions may be beneficial in regards to such issues as minimizingnoise from the device 320 and controlling the devices output. Forinstance, the EPAM diaphragm transducers may be used to efficiently pumpa fluid at an operating frequency below 30 Hz. Details of EPAMtransducers used as motors and further advantages of these devices aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,806,621, filed on Feb. 28, 2002, by Heim,et al. and titled, “Electroactive Polymer Rotary Motors,” previouslyincorporated herein.

In another embodiment, the piston driven pump 320 may be used as acompressor. To use the device 320 as a compressor, fluid is preventedfrom leaving the pumping chamber while the piston compressors the fluidin the pumping chamber is compressed by using an appropriate valvedesign. Details of EPAM valve designs that may be used with thepiston-driven pump 320 and other embodiments of the present inventionare described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/383,005 filedon Mar. 5, 2003, by Heim, et al., and entitled, “Electroactive PolymerDevices for Controlling Fluid Flow,” previously incorporated herein.

FIG. 2H illustrates an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) device forperforming thermodynamic work on a fluid with a fan 325 driven by anEPAM transducer 328 and an EPAM transducer for controlling a shape andattitude of the fan blades. The fan 325 includes two EPAM roll-typetransducers 328 mounted to a circular plate 329 and a base 327. Othertypes of EPAM transducers may be used with the fan 325 and it is notlimited to the use of a roll-type transducer 328 (see section 3 forfurther discussion of EPAM transducers). The circular plate is mountedto a support by linkage that allows the plate 329 to rotate. The supportis mounted to the base 327. Three fan blades are mounted to the circularplate 329.

When a voltage is applied to the roll transducers, the transducers 328lengthen and when the voltage is removed, the transducers contract. Bysupplying voltage to one of the transducers and removing or decreasingit on the opposite one, the circular plate may be made to rotate in aclock-wise or counter clock wise direction. A speed of the fan (e.g., arotation rate of the circular plate) may be controlled by applying atime varying voltage to the transducers 328.

In one embodiment, an efficiency of the fan 325 may be controlled bychanging a shape of the fan blade 326. For instance, each fan blade 391may comprise a frame 329 with an EPAM transducer 391 with one or moreactive areas. The shape of the fan blade may be changed by deflectingone or more of the active areas on the EPAM transducer 391. EPAMtransducers with a plurality of active areas are described with respectto FIGS. 4J-4M. The shape of the fan blade may be changed to increase ordecrease its aerodynamic performance. Further, the shape of the fanblade may be changed to decrease noise and vibration emitted from theblade at a particular operating speed of the fan (aeroacoustic property)and the shape of the fan may be changed to limit or alter structuralvibrational interactions within the fan blade (aeroelastic property).

The fan blade 326 may include a second EPAM transducer 390 that isdesigned to change a pitch of the fan blade by rotating the blade. Theaerodynamic performance of the blade 326 may be a function of its pitch.In one embodiment, a single integrated EPAM transducer instead of thetwo transducers 391 and 392 may be used to change the shape of the bladeand to change its pitch.

FIG. 2I illustrates an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM) spherical pumpingdevice 330 for circulating a fluid over a heat source 331 to remove heatenergy from the heat source 331. The spherical pumping device includes aspherically shaped EPAM transducer 333 that forms the bounding surfaceof a pumping chamber 334. The present invention is not limited tospherically shaped EPAM transducers 333 and transducers that deform intoa variety general 3-D shapes may also be used.

The spherical cooling pump 330 may be part of a thermal control systemfor regulating a temperature of a heat source 331. In one embodiment,the heat source may be located in a computing device. For instance, theheat source may be a microprocessor. As part of the thermal controlsystem, the spherical cooling pump 330 is connected to a closed fluidconduit 335 carrying a fluid 336. In operation, a voltage is applied tothe spherical EPAM transducer 333 that causes an EPAM polymer in thetransducer to deflect outwardly and a volume of the pumping chamber 334to increase. The volume change draws the fluid 336 into the chamber.When the voltage is removed or reduced to the transducer 333, the EPAMpolymer deflects inwardly forcing fluid 336 from the pumping chamber 334into the fluid conduit 335.

In the thermal control system for the heat source 331, the fluid 336 isdesigned to flow past the heat source where heat energy is transferredfrom the heat source 331 to the fluid 336 to cool the heat source 331.The heated fluid flows from the heat source 331 to a heat exchangingarea 332 where heat energy is transferred from the fluid 336. The cooledfluid may then be circulated by the spherical cooling pump 330 to passby the heat source 331 and to pick up heat energy from the heat source.

In one embodiment, the fluid conduit 335 may include an expansion valvethat induces a phase change, such as from a liquid state to a gaseousstate, which is common in refrigeration systems. The phase change may beused to remove energy from the fluid 336. In another embodiment, thefluid 336 may change phase states, such as from a liquid to a gas, whenthe volume of the pumping chamber is expanded. The phase change mayresult in cooling the fluid. Further, a fluid, such as a gas, may beexpanded in the pumping chamber to reduce its temperate prior to itbeing pumped past the heat source.

In a particular embodiment, the spherical transducer may also act as aheat exchanging area. The EPAM polymer may be designed as multi-layerstructure with conducting layers used to conduct energy away from thefluid 336 in the pumping chamber 334. In other embodiments, the EPAMpolymer may include an insulating layer, such in the case where thefluid 336 has been chilled prior to entering the chamber 334, to preventthe fluid from being heated by an environment surrounding the pumpingchamber 334.

FIG. 2J illustrates one embodiment of an Electroactive Polymer (EPAM)peristaltic pumping device. The peristaltic pumping device 340 includesa fluid conduit 335 with an inlet 342 and exit 343 and a plurality ofEPAM diaphragms 341 located on the inner surface of the fluid conduit335. The diaphragms arrays may be individually controlled to generate awave like motion, i.e., a peristaltic motion that propels fluid from theinlet 342 to the exit 343. For instance, the diaphragms may be deflectedas a function of time starting from inlet 342 and progressing to theexit. This wave like motion entrains fluid towards the exit as thediaphragms are deflected in their wave pattern.

FIG. 2K illustrates a second embodiment of an Electroactive Polymer(EPAM) peristaltic pumping device 345. The peristaltic pumping device345 is comprised of a fluid conduit 335 that is a hollow EPAM rolltransducer 328 (see FIGS. 4A-4E and 4K-4M). The roll transducer may beactuated to generate a wave (e.g., a hump in the transducer) thattravels down the transducer in direction 344 as a function of time. Asthe wave moves down the transducer 328, it may push fluid ahead of it.Thus, the fluid may be moved from the inlet 342 to the exit 343. Afterthe wave has traveled to the exit, it may be regenerated at the inlet342 in a repeating pattern to generate continuous pumping.

In another embodiment, a diameter change, such as a narrowing in thediameter, may implemented as a wave that travels down conduit. Togenerate a wave, the narrow diameter may be implemented at differentlocations as a function of time along the conduit. As the location wherethe conduit is narrowed moves down conduit, fluid may be pushed a headof the location where the conduit is narrowed to produce a peristalticpumping motion.

One advantage of the pumps described with respect to FIGS. 2I, 2J and 2Kis that pumping may be performed without a separate motor. For instance,in FIGS. 2I, 2J, and 2K, the motion of the EPAM polymer used for pumpingin the transducers is generated by applying a voltage from a powersource, such as from a battery, to the EPAM polymer. In a traditionalpiston-driven pump, the motion of the piston is driven by a separatemotor, such as an electric motor. The motor adds addition weight to thesystem. Further, motors usually are typically only efficient at alimited number of operating conditions, such as a rotational speed.Therefore, additional gearing may be required to use energy from themotor at a rate different from its optimal operating condition. Thus,the EPAM pumping devices of the present invention have a capability tobe much lighter than traditional pumping systems via the elimination ofa separate motor and its associated mechanical linkages.

FIGS. 2L and 2M illustrate cross section of an embodiment of a bellowsspring roll transducer 600. The bellows spring roll actuator 600 may beused as a pump, a valve or both. For the bellow spring roll actuatorfabrication, an EPAM material, such as an acrylic film(s) may beprestrained and rolled onto a bellows spring 601. The bellows spring 601may form a closed chamber. The spring 601 holds the EPAM film intension. The end structures 351 may be used to seal off the top of thebellows spring. In some embodiments, an end structure may not berequired. A fluid conduit may extend through of the end structures toallow a fluid 336 to enter into the chamber formed by the bellows spring601.

When the EPAM film is actuated in the transducer 353 the spring mayexpand in longitudinal length as the EPAM film lengthens and the insidediameter of the spring 601 may increase. The increase in diameter of thespring allows greater flow rate in the device if fluid is already underpressure. Thus, by adding or removing voltage from the EPAM in thetransducers, the flow rate may be controlled by changing the diameter ofthe bellows springs 601. For pumping, check valves 316 may be added totransducer 600 as shown. When the EPAM film is unactuated the rollshortens in length and the diameter between the springs decreases. Thismotion may be used to force fluid out of the chamber in the bellowsspring 601.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a first embodiment of an EPAM tube-type pumpdevice 350. The tube pumping device may comprise one or moreelectroactive polymer transducers. The pump can be made using one ormore rolls of electroactive polymer (EPAM) film arranged in a rolltransducer 352. The EPAM film may or may not be pre-strained.

By way of an example, FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of an EPtube-type pump 350 where a tube of electroactive polymer is attached atboth ends on rigid end structures 351. The tube can be made by rollingEPAM or made directly using dip coating processes. In a preferredembodiment, the EP tube is stretched axially to provide high pre-strainin the axial direction. The forces of pre-strain are supported by rigidrods 395 attached to the end structures on the outside or inside of thetube. With high pre-strain, the diameter of the tube will be contractedin the central portion due to Poisson contraction (not shown in FIG.3A). Two one-way (check) valves 316 are attached to the inner chamber ofthe tube. Alternately, the valves 316 can be actuated valves andswitched at appropriate times.

In one embodiment, a tubular housing may be used instead of the rigidrods 359. Between the roll transducer 352 and the tubular housing, apartial vacuum may be generated to generate an outward bias on the rolltransducer 352. In another embodiment, a bias material 352, such asfoam, may be used between the tubular housing and the roll transducer352 to generate a restoring force in a direction opposite to thedirection in which the transducer expands.

In FIG. 3B, when the EPAM is actuated by applying a voltage, the EPAMfilm becomes thinner and expands in circumference (radially), thusallowing more fluid 336 to flow into the inner chamber through one ofthe one-way valves 316. In FIG. 3A, when the voltage is turned off, theEPAM film in the transducer 352 contracts in circumference and forcesfluid out through the other one-way valve at a higher pressure. Thus,continuous application of the voltage allows for continuous pumping bythe tube pumping device.

The pump shown FIGS. 3A and 3B can be self-priming (draws a slightvacuum relative to the outside to pull fluid in) provided the thicknessand tube geometry are such that the EPAM does not buckle. Alternately,if a positive pressure fluid (relative to the external surface of thetube) is available, the positive pressure can be used to provideactuation with a circumferential pre-strain or pre-load. Or as describedabove, a bias pressure may be applied to the roll transducer by adding asealed housing around the roll transducer.

The pump 350 can be made in a cascade or series (multistage) to furtherincrease pressure (see FIGS. 3I and 3J). For example, one could use arelatively low pressure self-priming pump to provide a positive pressurefluid to a second pump which provides higher pressures when actuated(typically 180 degrees out of phase with the first pump). The multistagepumps may be made up of elements that are connected end to end orstacked (see FIGS. 3I and 3J). Elements can also be cascaded by locatingone element within another (similar to the way in which Russian dollsstack within one another). Tubular pump elements may be locatedconcentrically within one another. The advantage of this internal orconcentric cascading is that no part of a single element is exposed tothe total pressure difference produced by the pump.

This embodiment provides easy fabrication of large, multilayer EPAMpumps, good coupling to EP actuation, and accommodates high pre-strain,which improves EPAM transducer performance. Also, the pump can naturallybe made in a tube shape for an in-line pump with good packing geometry.

The pump in FIGS. 3A and 3B as well other pump embodiments described inthe present application, may be used in many applications. For instance,the pump 350 may be used to pump fuel, such as to pump fuel in a fuelcell or fuel for combustion in a combustion chamber. The pumps may beused to move a fluid in a toy. For instance, the pump could pump fluidfrom a reservoir to make a doll appear to cry. The pumps may be used inrefrigeration applications or as part of a thermal control system. Thepumps may be used for medical applications, such as for drug delivery.For instance, in a biological application, the pump may used to deliverinsulin and may include a sensor for measuring blood sugar levels sothat the insulin can be delivered in a controlled manner. Other types ofdrugs could also be delivered in a controlled manner with an appropriatebiological sensor for measuring a biologic parameter(s) of interest.

In general, the pumps can be used to transport fluid from one enclosure(e.g., a vessel, a well) to another, usually from an enclosure at alower pressure to one at a higher pressure. In other cases, the fluidmay be transported from a place at a lower potential energy to one at ahigher potential energy such as delivering water uphill for irrigation.In yet other cases, pump may be used to move fluids within an open orclosed structure (e.g., a pipe or an irrigation canal).

The tube geometry and the basic structure described herein can also beused to drive other devices including, for examples, linear actuators,hydraulic cylinders, and loudspeakers. For example, FIGS. 3C and 3Dshows one embodiment that integrates the basic pump geometry describedin FIGS. 3A and 3B to drive an internal hydraulic cylinder device 355.The hydraulic cylinder includes a roll transducer 352, end structures351 and a cylinder between the end structures 351. The cylinder 359 andguide bearings/seal 357 may be used to guide an output shaft 356 thatfits within the cylinder 359. The cylinder includes an aperture forallowing fluid 336 to flow into the cylinder. The guide bearings andseal 357 allow the output shaft to move in a smooth manner and to keepfluid within the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder 355 mayinclude a force return mechanism 358 such as a spring.

When voltage is applied to the roll transducer in FIG. 3D, the rolltransducer expands 353 and draws fluid 336 from the cylinder 359 and theoutput shaft 356 is drawn downwards. As voltage is removed from the rolltransducer, fluid moves into the cylinder and pushes the output shaftupwards. The force mechanism 358 may also provide a force that moves theoutput shaft 356 upwards. When the voltage is off to the roll transducer352, the output shaft is fully extended in FIG. 3C. The hydrauliccylinder via the extension of the output shaft 356 may be used toperform work on another object.

FIG. 3E illustrates a second embodiment of an EPAM tube pumping device.In this embodiment, the rigid support rods 359 in FIGS. 3A and 3B, maybe replaced with one or more springs to provide axial pre-strain to thetube. The springs allow the tube to extend in length when actuated. Inanother embodiment, a tube-type pump comprising an electroactive polymerroll transducer may be used. The EPAM roll transducer is described insome detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4E and 4K-4M. The EPAM rolltransducers have also been described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.6,891,317 entitled “Rolled Electroactive Polymers,” filed May 21, 2002,previously incorporated herein.

A pump or compressor based on the roll transducer 328 has a hole throughits entire axis with appropriate hose connections on both ends (FIG.3E). As shown in FIG. 3E, the EPAM roll transducer 328 can expand orcontract axially by the application of a voltage while its diameterremains essentially unchanged. As such, the internal volume increaseslinearly with strain. By attaching one-way valves 316 on either end ofthe tube, a change in volume will impart a movement of fluid across thecheck valves 316 and fluid is forced to travel in one direction throughthe roll actuator 326. This EPAM tube-type pump provides a simple androbust design in a small package.

FIG. 3F illustrate an embodiment of a diaphragm array pump 365. Themovement of the diaphragms in the transducers 367 may be used toalternately draw a fluid into a chamber and then expel it through anexit tube via one-way valves 316. The diaphragm-type EPAM transducers367 have been described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,384,“Electroactive Polymer Devices,” filed on Jul. 20, 2000; previouslyincorporated herein.

To influence the direction of deflection, the six diaphragm transducers367 may be biased mechanically by one of several different means. Forexample, a spring-loaded plunger may be used to bias the diaphragm. Inone embodiment, a spring-type design has been tested for low flow ratesand pressures. The flow was approximately 40 ml/minute at about 1 kPa(Kilo-Pascal) using a single-layer electroactive polymer. The pumps maybe cascaded to increase pressure above 2.5 kPa. The spring-type biasingmay be suitable for low-power applications.

Other methods for biasing diaphragm-type transducers include the use ofa bias material 397, such as foam, pressure (or vacuum), and a swellingagent (e.g., a small amount of silicone oil). Various means of biasingan EPAM film have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,129,“ELASTOMETRIC DIELECTRIC POLYMER FILM SONIC ACTUATOR,” U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/619,846, “Electroactive Polymer Devices,” filedon Jul. 20, 2000, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,718, “MONOLITHIC ELECTROACTIVEPOLYMERS,” filed on Feb. 7, 2001; all of which are incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes.

By way of an example, FIG. 3F shows a cross-sectional view of aself-priming pump comprising EPAM diaphragm transducers 367 where theEPAM diaphragms are biased using an insert of open pore foam 397. Thepump 365 comprises a lower chamber 387, an upper chamber 398, a gridplate 369, six diaphragm transducers 367, three valves, 316, 385 and396, and a screen 369 enclosed in a pump housing 366. The grid plate 369includes apertures for accommodating the diaphragms. The screen 368 isused to hold the foam in place. In one embodiment, the foam may extendto the bottom of a lower chamber 387 and the screen may not be used.

As the EPAM diaphragms in the transducers contract, fluid is drawnthrough the valve 316 at the inlet 342 into a pumping chamber 398. Thediaphragms then expand upon actuation which forces fluid to flow throughvalve 385. As the pressure builds in the area behind the diaphragms,fluid is pushed through the outlet valve 386, possibly to another stage(see FIGS. 3I and 3J).

One advantage of the configuration shown in FIG. 3F is that it isself-priming (i.e., it can pull in liquid), and it is self-priming in away that the biasing means only needs to supply sufficient bias force topull liquid from the top input chamber to the bottom exit chamberthrough the one-way valve. It does not need to supply substantial biasforce, even though the power stroke of the electroactive polymer(contraction) can supply high output pressure or alternately highsuction input pressure.

FIGS. 3G and 3H illustrate an embodiment of an EPAM film pump 400. FIG.3G shows a perspective view of the pump 400 and FIG. 3H shows a crosssection through the inlet 342 and outlet 343. The pump 400 may comprisea clamp plate 401 with a plurality of apertures 402 (e.g., 52 are shownin FIG. 3G) an EPAM film 370 which may be comprised of one or morelayers and a lower chamber 371. The lower chamber may include an inlet342, an outlet, check valves 403 and 404 for controlling a flowdirection and fluid conduits that lead to and from a pumping chamber398. The pumping chamber is formed by an indentation in a top of thelower chamber 371 and the EPAM film 370. The pump 400 may also includeconditioning electronics and a power supply, which are not shown. Thepumps shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H can use diaphragm biasing means known inthe prior art, or if the inlet pressure is higher than the externalambient diaphragm pressure, then the fluid itself may be used fordiaphragm biasing.

A fluid, such as air, enters through the inlet 342 in the lower chamber371. The fluid is acted upon by the EPAM film 370 (e.g., thermodynamicwork is performed on the fluid) in the pumping chamber 398, and ispushed out through a second opening in the lower chamber to exit 343.The clamp plate 401 determines the geometry of the active EPAM film. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H, there are 52 openings, eachwith a diameter of 0.375 inches (9.53 mm), resulting in a total filmactive area of 5.74 in² (3700 mm²). To allow fluid to pass through thechamber, there is a 1 mm gap between the film and a bottom plate of thelower chamber. The 1 mm gap is the height of the pumping chamber whenthe EPAM film is flat. Larger gaps may be used for pumpingincompressible fluids, whereas smaller gaps minimize “dead space” whenpumping compressible fluids and allow the EPAM to more effectivelypressurize the compressible fluid.

In one embodiment, the clamp plate 401 and the lower chamber 371 mayeach measure a height of approximately 0.375 inches for a total heightof 0.75 inches of the pump 400. The clamp plate and the lower chambermay measure a length of 4 inches and a width of 4 inches. Thus, a footprint area of the pumping device is 16 in². In other embodiments, thetotal height may be increased or decreased from 0.75 inches and the footprint area may be increased or decreased from 16 in². The clamp plateand lower chamber may serve as a housing for the device or the clampplate and lower chamber may be enclosed in a separate housing.

One advantage of the diaphragm array pump 365 (FIG. 3F) or the EPAM filmpump 400 (FIGS. 3F and 3G) is that good pumping efficiencies may beobtained for devices that are substantially flat. One measure of theflatness of a pumping device is a ratio of its height divided by theproduct of its foot print area. For a rectangular shaped pumping devicethe foot print area is the product of a length times a width of thedevice. For comparison purposes, a non-dimensional flatness measure maybe generated by normalizing by the height of the device to obtain aflatness parameter equal to a (height)²/(foot print area). For arectangular enclosure or housing, the foot print area is a length timesa width of the rectangle. For a cubic-shaped enclosure or housing, theflatness parameter generates a value of 1.

In traditional pumps, packaging requirements for a motor and for apumping mechanism may generate a flatness parameter that approaches 1 oris greater than 1. In the present invention, the flatness parameter maybe much less than 1. For instance, for one embodiment of the EPAM filmpump 400 in FIGS. 3G and 3H, the height of the device is 0.75 inches andthe foot print area is 16 in². Thus, the flatness parameter for thisembodiment is proximately 0.035. Device for performing thermodynamicwork of the present invention with a flatness parameter much less thanthis value are also feasible, such as less than 0.01. For devices wherespace is at a premium, like electronic devices such as laptop computers,the ability to produce a device for performing thermodynamic work with asmall flatness parameter may be advantageous.

In some embodiments of present invention, the devices for performingthermodynamic work may be used in micro-electro-mechanical systems(MEMS). The MEMS devices may be fabricated on substrates such assilicon. For these applications, the capability of fabricating a devicefor performing thermodynamic work on a fluid with a small flatnessparameter may be advantageous.

FIGS. 3I and 3J illustrate an embodiment of a multi-stage EPAMcompressor or pumping device. For all embodiments described herein, amultiple stage (multistage) pump or compressor can be built with checkvalves between the stages to increase the pressure after each stage. Allof the stages can be identical, although in some cases, the first stagemay need a mechanical bias. For some cases, different stages may be ofdifferent sizes, have different strokes, and comprise different layersof electroactive polymer film.

In FIG. 3I, a planar configuration for linear staged compressor 380 isshown. The linear staged compressor 380 includes three stages, 381, 382and 383, that are aligned in the same plane. The multiple stages of thecompressor may be connected via one or more of a barb fitting, tubing(i.e., a fluid conduit), and a check valve.

A fluid such as air may enter stage 381 and may be pumped up to higherpressure in each stage until it exits stage 383. Each stage may bedriven 180 degrees out of phase with the stage on either side (i.e.,upstream and downstream). This way, as one stage is compressing, thefluid can flow into the following (downstream) stage, which is at lowerpressure. Check valves may be used to prevent fluid from flowing to theprevious upstream stage, such as from stage 382 to stage 381. Ingeneral, a plurality of stages may be used with the present inventionand the present invention is not limited to three stages.

In FIG. 3J a stacked configuration of a multi-stage pump 375 is shown.The multi-stage pump includes three stages 376, 377 and 378, stacked oneon top of the other. The stages may be identical. A low flatnessparameter for each stage that is possible with the pumps of the presentinvention may enable stacking configurations that are not possible withconventional pumps. Fluid flows from the first stage 376 downward tostage 377 and stage 378 and then exits an outlet on stage 378. For bestoperation with multi-stage pumps, one generally times the stroke of onestage relative to the stroke of the next stage. For example, one mighthave the compression stroke of one stage coincide with the expansionstroke of the next stage. For compressible fluids such as gases beingcompressed to high pressures, the stroke volumes of each stage areideally matched to the changing volume of gas (for example, if the gasis compressed to half its original volume in a many-stage pump, the laststage may only have to pump roughly half the volume per stroke as thefirst stage).

In the embodiments described above, the electroactive polymer devicesfor performing thermodynamic work on a fluid can provide many advantagesover conventional pump/compressor technologies including quieteroperation (elimination of a piston-based system and subsequent use ofsmall high frequency actuators, operating at frequencies outside thehuman audible range), lower cost (inexpensive materials, simpler designand fewer parts than an equivalent electric motor system), and higherefficiency.

Electroactive polymers scale very well; one could design large hydraulicactuators for heavy equipment or tiny radiators for integrated circuits.The pressures required for a particular application (e.g., refrigerationor air conditioning) may be scaled up by increasing the number of layersof polymer film per stage and/or the number of stages. Unlikeconventional motor-driven pumps or compressors, an electroactive polymerpump can be driven at frequencies above or below the audible range.

3. Electroactive Polymer Devices

3.1 Transducers

FIGS. 4A-2E show a rolled electroactive polymer device 20 in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The rolled electroactivepolymer device may be used for actuation in EPAM devices for performingthermodynamic work on a fluid and may also act as part of a fluidconduit or other types of structures immersed in an external or internalflowfield that is used with the devices for performing thermodynamicwork. The rolled electroactive polymer devices may provide linear and/orrotational/torsional motion for operating the EPAM devices. Forinstance, see the fan embodiment in FIG. 2H. FIG. 4A illustrates a sideview of device 20. FIG. 4B illustrates an axial view of device 20 fromthe top end. FIG. 4C illustrates an axial view of device 20 takenthrough cross section A-A. FIG. 4D illustrates components of device 20before rolling. Device 20 comprises a rolled electroactive polymer 22,spring 24, end pieces 27 and 28, and various fabrication components usedto hold device 20 together.

As illustrated in FIG. 4C, electroactive polymer 22 is rolled. In oneembodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer refers to an electroactivepolymer with, or without electrodes, wrapped round and round onto itself(e.g., like a poster) or wrapped around another object (e.g., spring24). The polymer may be wound repeatedly and at the very least comprisesan outer layer portion of the polymer overlapping at least an innerlayer portion of the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactivepolymer refers to a spirally wound electroactive polymer wrapped aroundan object or center. As the term is used herein, rolled is independentof how the polymer achieves its rolled configuration.

As illustrated by FIGS. 4C and 4D, electroactive polymer 22 is rolledaround the outside of spring 24. Spring 24 provides a force that strainsat least a portion of polymer 22. The top end 24 a of spring 24 isattached to rigid endpiece 27. Likewise, the bottom end 24 b of spring24 is attached to rigid endpiece 28. The top edge 22 a of polymer 22(FIG. 4D) is wound about endpiece 27 and attached thereto using asuitable adhesive. The bottom edge 22 b of polymer 22 is wound aboutendpiece 28 and attached thereto using an adhesive. Thus, the top end 24a of spring 24 is operably coupled to the top edge 22 a of polymer 22 inthat deflection of top end 24 a corresponds to deflection of the topedge 22 a of polymer 22. Likewise, the bottom end 24 b of spring 24 isoperably coupled to the bottom edge 22 b of polymer 22 and deflectionbottom end 24 b corresponds to deflection of the bottom edge 22 b ofpolymer 22. Polymer 22 and spring 24 are capable of deflection betweentheir respective bottom top portions.

As mentioned above, many electroactive polymers perform better whenprestrained. For example, some polymers exhibit a higher breakdownelectric field strength, electrically actuated strain, and energydensity when prestrained. Spring 24 of device 20 provides forces thatresult in both circumferential and axial prestrain onto polymer 22.

Spring 24 is a compression spring that provides an outward force inopposing axial directions (FIG. 4A) that axially stretches polymer 22and strains polymer 22 in an axial direction. Thus, spring 24 holdspolymer 22 in tension in axial direction 35. In one embodiment, polymer22 has an axial prestrain in direction 35 from about 50 to about 300percent. As will be described in further detail below for fabrication,device 20 may be fabricated by rolling a prestrained electroactivepolymer film around spring 24 while it the spring is compressed. Oncereleased, spring 24 holds the polymer 22 in tensile strain to achieveaxial prestrain.

Spring 24 also maintains circumferential prestrain on polymer 22. Theprestrain may be established in polymer 22 longitudinally in direction33 (FIG. 4D) before the polymer is rolled about spring 24. Techniques toestablish prestrain in this direction during fabrication will bedescribed in greater detail below. Fixing or securing the polymer afterrolling, along with the substantially constant outer dimensions forspring 24, maintains the circumferential prestrain about spring 24. Inone embodiment, polymer 22 has a circumferential prestrain from about100 to about 500 percent. In many cases, spring 24 provides forces thatresult in anisotropic prestrain on polymer 22.

End pieces 27 and 28 are attached to opposite ends of rolledelectroactive polymer 22 and spring 24. FIG. 4E illustrates a side viewof end piece 27 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Endpiece 27 is a circular structure that comprises an outerflange 27 a, an interface portion 27 b, and an inner hole 27 c.Interface portion 27 b preferably has the same outer diameter as spring24. The edges of interface portion 27 b may also be rounded to preventpolymer damage. Inner hole 27 c is circular and passes through thecenter of endpiece 27, from the top 25 end to the bottom outer end thatincludes outer flange 27 a. In a specific embodiment, endpiece 27comprises aluminum, magnesium or another machine metal. Inner hole 27 cis defined by a hole machined or similarly fabricated within endpiece27. In a specific embodiment, endpiece 27 comprises ½ inch end caps witha ⅜ inch inner hole 27 c.

In one embodiment, polymer 22 does not extend all the way to outerflange 27 a and a gap 29 is left between the outer portion edge ofpolymer 22 and the inside surface of outer flange 27 a. As will bedescribed in further detail below, an adhesive or glue may be added tothe rolled electroactive polymer device to maintain its rolledconfiguration. Gap 29 provides a dedicated space on endpiece 27 for anadhesive or glue than the buildup to the outer diameter of the rolleddevice and fix to all polymer layers in the roll to endpiece 27. In aspecific embodiment, gap 29 is between about 0 mm and about 5 mm.

The portions of electroactive polymer 22 and spring 24 between endpieces 27 and 28 may be considered active to their functional purposes.Thus, end pieces 27 and 28 define an active region 32 of device 20 (FIG.4A). End pieces 27 and 28 provide a common structure for attachment withspring 24 and with polymer 22. In addition, each end piece 27 and 28permits external mechanical and detachable coupling to device 20. Forexample, device 20 may be employed in a robotic application whereendpiece 27 is attached to an upstream link in a robot and endpiece 28is attached to a downstream link in the robot. Actuation ofelectroactive polymer 22 then moves the downstream link relative to theupstream link as determined by the degree of freedom between the twolinks (e.g., rotation of link 2 about a pin joint on link 1).

In a specific embodiment, inner hole 27 c comprises an internal threadcapable of threaded interface with a threaded member, such as a screw orthreaded bolt. The internal thread permits detachable mechanicalattachment to one end of device 20. For example, a screw may be threadedinto the internal thread within end piece 27 for external attachment toa robotic element. For detachable mechanical attachment internal todevice 20, a nut or bolt to be threaded into each end piece 27 and 28and pass through the axial core of spring 24, thereby fixing the two endpieces 27 and 28 to each other. This allows device 20 to be held in anystate of deflection, such as a fully compressed state useful duringrolling. This may also be useful during storage of device 20 so thatpolymer 22 is not strained in storage.

In one embodiment, a stiff member or linear guide 30 is disposed withinthe spring core of spring 24. Since the polymer 22 in spring 24 issubstantially compliant between end pieces 27 and 28, device 20 allowsfor both axial deflection along direction 35 and bending of polymer 22and spring 24 away from its linear axis (the axis passing through thecenter of spring 24). In some embodiments, only axial deflection isdesired. Linear guide 30 prevents bending of device 20 between endpieces 27 and 28 about the linear axis. Preferably, linear guide 30 doesnot interfere with the axial deflection of device 20. For example,linear guide 30 preferably does not introduce frictional resistancebetween itself and any portion of spring 24. With linear guide 30, orany other suitable constraint that prevents motion outside of axialdirection 35, device 20 may act as a linear actuator or generator withoutput strictly in direction 35. Linear guide 30 may be comprised of anysuitably stiff material such as wood, plastic, metal, etc.

Polymer 22 is wound repeatedly about spring 22. For single electroactivepolymer layer construction, a rolled electroactive polymer of thepresent invention may comprise between about 2 and about 200 layers. Inthis case, a layer refers to the number of polymer films or sheetsencountered in a radial cross-section of a rolled polymer. In somecases, a rolled polymer comprises between about 5 and about 100 layers.In a specific embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer comprisesbetween about 15 and about 50 layers.

In another embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer employs amultilayer structure. The multilayer structure comprises multiplepolymer layers disposed on each other before rolling or winding. Forexample, a second electroactive polymer layer, without electrodespatterned thereon, may be disposed on an electroactive polymer havingelectrodes patterned on both sides. The electrode immediately betweenthe two polymers services both polymer surfaces in immediate contact.After rolling, the electrode on the bottom side of the electrodedpolymer then contacts the top side of the non-electroded polymer. Inthis manner, the second electroactive polymer with no electrodespatterned thereon uses the two electrodes on the first electrodedpolymer.

Other multilayer constructions are possible. For example, a multilayerconstruction may comprise any even number of polymer layers in which theodd number polymer layers are electroded and the even number polymerlayers are not. The upper surface of the top non-electroded polymer thenrelies on the electrode on the bottom of the stack after rolling.Multilayer constructions having 2, 4, 6, 8, etc., are possible thistechnique. In some cases, the number of layers used in a multilayerconstruction may be limited by the dimensions of the roll and thicknessof polymer layers. As the roll radius decreases, the number ofpermissible layers typically decrease is well. Regardless of the numberof layers used, the rolled transducer is configured such that a givenpolarity electrode does not touch an electrode of opposite polarity. Inone embodiment, multiple layers are each individually electroded andevery other polymer layer is flipped before rolling such that electrodesin contact each other after rolling are of a similar voltage orpolarity.

The multilayer polymer stack may also comprise more than one type ofpolymer For example, one or more layers of a second polymer may be usedto modify the elasticity or stiffness of the rolled electroactivepolymer layers. This polymer may or may not be active in thecharging/discharging during the actuation. When a non-active polymerlayer is employed, the number of polymer layers may be odd. The secondpolymer may also be another type of electroactive polymer that variesthe performance of the rolled product.

In one embodiment, the outermost layer of a rolled electroactive polymerdoes not comprise an electrode disposed thereon. This may be done toprovide a layer of mechanical protection, or to electrically isolateelectrodes on the next inner layer. For example, inner and outer layersand surface coating may be selected to provide fluid compatibility aspreviously described. The multiple layer characteristics described abovemay also be applied non-rolled electroactive polymers, such as EPAMdiaphragms previously described.

Device 20 provides a compact electroactive polymer device structure andimproves overall electroactive polymer device performance overconventional electroactive polymer devices. For example, the multilayerstructure of device 20 modulates the overall spring constant of thedevice relative to each of the individual polymer layers. In addition,the increased stiffness of the device achieved via spring 24 increasesthe stiffness of device 20 and allows for faster response in actuation,if desired.

In a specific embodiment, spring 24 is a compression spring such ascatalog number 11422 as provided by Century Spring of Los Angeles,Calif. This spring is characterized by a spring force of 0.91 lb/inchand dimensions of 4.38 inch free length, 1.17 inch solid length, 0.360inch outside diameter, 0.3 inch inside diameter. In this case, rolledelectroactive polymer device 20 has a height 36 from about 5 to about 7cm, a diameter 37 of about 0.8 to about 1.2 cm, and an active regionbetween end pieces of about 4 to about 5 cm. The polymer ischaracterized by a circumferential prestrain from about 300 to about 500percent and axial prestrain (including force contributions by spring 24)from about 150 to about 250 percent.

Although device 20 is illustrated with a single spring 24 disposedinternal to the rolled polymer, it is understood that additionalstructures such as another spring external to the polymer may also beused to provide strain and prestrain forces. These external structuresmay be attached to device 20 using end pieces 27 and 28 for example.

FIG. 4F illustrates a bending transducer 150 for providing variablestiffness based on structural changes in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. In this case, transducer 150 varies andcontrols stiffness in one direction using polymer deflection in anotherdirection. In one embodiment, the bending transducer may be used toprovide a driving force to a fluid (see FIGS. 2A-2D). Transducer 150includes a polymer 151 fixed at one end by a rigid support 152. Attachedto polymer 151 is a flexible thin material 153 such as polyimide ormylar using an adhesive layer, for example. The flexible thin material153 has a modulus of elasticity greater than polymer 151. The differencein modulus of elasticity for the top and bottom sides 156 and 157 oftransducer 150 causes the transducer to bend upon actuation. Electrodes154 and 155 are attached to the opposite sides of the polymer 151 toprovide electrical communication between polymer 151 and controlelectronics used to control transducer 150 deflection. Transducer 150 isnot planar but rather has a slight curvature about axis 160 as shown.Direction 160 is defined as rotation or bending about a line extendingaxially from rigid support 152 through polymer 151. This curvature makestransducer 150 stiff in response to forces applied to the tip along anyof the directions indicated by the arrows 161. In place of, or inaddiction to forces, torques may be applied to the transducer. Thesetorques may be applied about the axis indicated by the arrows ofdirections 161 a and 161 b.

FIG. 4G illustrates transducer 150 with a deflection in direction 161 bthat is caused by the application of a voltage to he electrodes 154 and155. The voltage is applied to allow the bending forces to overcome theresistance presented by the curvature in the unactuated state.Effectively, the transducer 152 bends with a kink caused by the initialcurvature. In this state, the stiffness in response to the forces ortorques indicated by directions 161 is much less.

A mechanical interface may be attached to the distal portion 159 oftransducer 150. Alternately, mechanical attachment may be made to theflexible thin material 153 to allow transducer 150 implementation in amechanical device. For example, transducer 150 is well suited for use inapplications such as lightweight space structures where folding of thestructure, so that it can be stowed and deployed, is useful. In thisexample, the stiff condition of individual transducers (which form ribsin the structure) occurs when the structure is deployed. To allow forstowing, the transducers are actuated and the ribs may be bent. Inanother application, the transducers form ribs in the sidewall ofpneumatic tires. In this application, the change in the stiffness of theribs can affect the stiffness of the tires and thus the resultanthandling of the vehicle that uses the tires. Similarly, the device maybe implemented in a shoe and the change in stiffness of the ribs canaffect the stiffness of the shoe.

Transducer 150 provides one example where actuation of an electroactivepolymer causes low-energy changes in configuration or shape that affectsstiffness of a device. Using this technique, it is indeed possible tovary stiffness using transducer 150 at greater levels than directmechanical or electrical energy control. In another embodiment,deflection of an electroactive polymer transducer directly contributesto the changing stiffness of a device that the transducer is configuredwithin.

FIG. 4H illustrates a bow device 200 suitable for providing variablestiffness in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. Bow device 200 is a planar mechanism comprising a flexibleframe 202 attached to a polymer 206. The frame 202 includes six rigidmembers 204 pivotally connected at joints 205. The members 204 andjoints 205 couple polymer deflection in a planar direction 208 intomechanical output in a perpendicular planar direction 210. Bow device200 is in a resting position as shown in FIG. 4H. Attached to opposite(top and bottom) surfaces of the polymer 206 are electrodes 207 (bottomelectrode on bottom side of polymer 206 not shown) to provide electricalcommunication with polymer 206. FIG. 4I illustrates bow device 200 afteractuation.

In the resting position of FIG. 4H, rigid members 204 provide a largestiffness to forces 209 in direction 208, according to their materialstiffness. However, for the position of bow device 200 as shown in FIG.4I, the stiffness in direction 208 is based on the compliance of polymer202 and any rotational elastic resistance provided by joints 205. Thus,control electronics in electrical communication with electrodes 207 maybe used to apply an electrical state that produces deflection forpolymer 206 as shown in FIG. 4H, and its corresponding high stiffness,and an electrical state that produces deflection for polymer 206 asshown in FIG. 4I, and its corresponding low stiffness. In this, simpleon/off control may be used to provide a large stiffness change usingdevice 200.

In addition to stiffness variation achieved by varying the configurationof rigid members in device 200, stiffness for the position of FIG. 4Imay additionally be varied using one of the open or closed loopstiffness techniques described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,086,filed on Jan. 16, 2002, by Kornbluh, et al and titled “VariableStiffness Electroactive Polymers”, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety and for all purposes.

3.2 Multiple Active Areas

In some cases, electrodes cover a limited portion of an electroactivepolymer relative to the total area of the polymer. This may be done toprevent electrical breakdown around the edge of a polymer, to allow forpolymer portions to facilitate a rolled construction (e.g., an outsidepolymer barrier layer), to provide multifunctionality, or to achievecustomized deflections for one or more portions of the polymer. As theterm is used herein, an active area is defined as a portion of atransducer comprising a portion of an electroactive polymer and one ormore electrodes that provide or receive electrical energy to or from theportion. The active area may be used for any of the functions describedbelow. For actuation, the active area includes a portion of polymerhaving sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of theportion. For generation or sensing, the active area includes a portionof polymer having sufficient deflection to enable a change inelectrostatic energy. A polymer of the present invention may havemultiple active areas.

In accordance with the present invention, the term “monolithic” is usedherein to refer to electroactive polymers and transducers comprising aplurality of active areas on a single polymer. FIG. 4J illustrates amonolithic transducer 150 comprising a plurality of active areas on asingle polymer 151 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The monolithic transducer 150 converts between electricalenergy and mechanical energy. The monolithic transducer 150 comprises anelectroactive polymer 151 having two active areas 152 a and 152 b.Polymer 151 may be held in place using, for example, a rigid frame (notshown) attached at the edges of the polymer. Coupled to active areas 152a and 152 b are wires 153 that allow electrical communication betweenactive areas 152 a and 152 b and allow electrical communication withcommunication electronics 155.

Active area 152 a has top and bottom electrodes 154 a and 154 b that areattached to polymer 151 on its top and bottom surfaces 151 c and 151 d,respectively.

Electrodes 154 a and 154 b provide or receive electrical energy across aportion 151 a of the polymer 151. Portion 151 a may deflect with achange in electric field provided by the electrodes 154 a and 154 b. Foractuation, portion 151 a comprises the polymer 151 between theelectrodes 154 a and 154 b and any other portions of the polymer 151having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection uponapplication of voltages using the electrodes 154 a and 154 b. Whenactive area 152 a is used as a generator to convert from electricalenergy to mechanical energy, deflection of the portion 151 a causes achange in electric field in the portion 151 a that is received as achange in voltage difference by the electrodes 154 a and 154 b.

Active area 152 b has top and bottom electrodes 156 a and 156 b that areattached to the polymer 151 on its top and bottom surfaces 151 c and 151d, respectively. Electrodes 156 a and 156 b provide or receiveelectrical energy across a portion 151 b of the polymer 151. Portion 151b may deflect with a change in electric field provided by the electrodes156 a and 156 b. For actuation, portion 151 b comprises the polymer 151between the electrodes 156 a and 156 b and any other portions of thepolymer 151 having sufficient stress induced by the electrostatic forceto enable deflection upon application of voltages using the electrodes156 a and 156 b.

When active area 152 b is used as a generator to convert from electricalenergy to mechanical energy, deflection of the portion 151 b causes achange in electric field in the portion 151 b that is received as achange in voltage difference by the electrodes 156 a and 156 b.

Active areas for an electroactive polymer may be easily patterned andconfigured using conventional electroactive polymer electrodefabrication techniques. Multiple active area polymers and transducersare further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,718, which is incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes. Given the ability to pattern andindependently control multiple active areas allows rolled transducers ofthe present invention to be employed in many new applications; as wellas employed in existing applications in new ways.

FIG. 4K illustrates a monolithic transducer 170 comprising a pluralityof active areas on a single polymer 172, before rolling, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. In present invention, themonolithic transducer 170 may be utilized in a rolled or unrolledconfiguration. Transducer 170 comprises individual electrodes 174 on thefacing polymer side 177. The opposite side of polymer 172 (not shown)may include individual electrodes that correspond in location toelectrodes 174, or may include a common electrode that spans in area andservices multiple or all electrodes 174 and simplifies electricalcommunication. Active areas 176 then comprise portions of polymer 172between each individual electrode 174 and the electrode on the oppositeside of polymer 172, as determined by the mode of operation of theactive area. For actuation for example, active area 176 a for electrode174 a includes a portion of polymer 172 having sufficient electrostaticforce to enable deflection of the portion, as described above.

Active areas 176 on transducer 170 may be configured for one or morefunctions. In one embodiment, all active areas 176 are all configuredfor actuation. In another embodiment suitable for use with roboticapplications, one or two active areas 176 are configured for sensingwhile the remaining active areas 176 are configured for actuation. Inthis manner, a rolled electroactive polymer device using transducer 170is capable of both actuation and sensing. Any active areas designatedfor sensing may each include dedicated wiring to sensing electronics, asdescribed below.

At shown, electrodes 174 a-d each include a wire 175 a-d attachedthereto that provides dedicated external electrical communication andpermits individual control for each active area 176 a-d. Electrodes 174e-i are all electrical communication with common electrode 177 and wire179 that provides common electrical communication with active areas 176e-i. Common electrode 177 simplifies electrical communication withmultiple active areas of a rolled electroactive polymer that areemployed to operate in a similar manner. In one embodiment, commonelectrode 177 comprises aluminum foil disposed on polymer 172 beforerolling. In one embodiment, common electrode 177 is a patternedelectrode of similar material to that used for electrodes 174 a-i, e.g.,carbon grease.

For example, a set of active areas may be employed for one or more ofactuation, generation, sensing, changing the stiffness and/or damping,or a combination thereof. Suitable electrical control also allows asingle active area to be used for more than one function. For example,active area 174 a may be used for actuation and variable stiffnesscontrol of a fluid conduit. The same active area may also be used forgeneration to produce electrical energy based on motion of the fluidconduit. Suitable electronics for each of these functions are describedin further detail below. Active area 174 b may also be flexibly used foractuation, generation, sensing, changing stiffness, or a combinationthereof. Energy generated by one active area may be provided to anotheractive area, if desired by an application. Thus, rolled polymers andtransducers of the present invention may include active areas used as anactuator to convert from electrical to mechanical energy, a generator toconvert from mechanical to electrical energy, a sensor that detects aparameter, or a variable stiffness and/or damping device that is used tocontrol stiffness and/or damping, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, multiple active areas employed for actuation arewired in groups to provide graduated electrical control of force and/ordeflection output from a rolled electroactive polymer device. Forexample, a rolled electroactive polymer transducer many have 50 activeareas in which 20 active areas are coupled to one common electrode, 10active areas to a second common electrode, another 10 active areas to athird common electrode, 5 active areas to a fourth common electrode inthe remaining five individually wired. Suitable computer management andon-off control for each common electrode then allows graduated force anddeflection control for the rolled transducer using only binary on/offswitching. The biological analogy of this system is motor units found inmany mammalian muscular control systems. Obviously, any number of activeareas and common electrodes may be implemented in this manner to providea suitable mechanical output or graduated control system.

3.3 Multiple Degree of Freedom Devices

In another embodiment, multiple active areas on an electroactive polymerare disposed such subsets of the active areas radially align afterrolling. For example, the multiple the active areas may be disposed suchthat, after rolling, active areas are disposed every 90 degrees in theroll. These radially aligned electrodes may then be actuated in unity toallow multiple degree of freedom motion for a rolled electroactivepolymer device. Similarly, multiple degrees of freedom may be obtainedfor unrolled electroactive polymer devices, such as those described withrespect to FIGS. 4F and 4G. Thus, the rolled polymer devices are oneembodiment of multi degrees of freedom that may be obtained withtransducer configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 4L illustrates a rolled transducer 180 capable of two-dimensionaloutput in accordance with one environment of the present invention.Transducer 180 comprises an electroactive polymer 182 rolled to provideten layers. Each layer comprises four radially aligned active areas. Thecenter of each active area is disposed at a 90 degree increment relativeto its neighbor. FIG. 4L shows the outermost layer of polymer 182 andradially aligned active areas 184, 186, and 188, which are disposed suchthat their centers mark 90 degree increments relative to each other. Afourth radially aligned active area (not shown) on the backside ofpolymer 182 has a center approximately situated 180 degrees fromradially aligned active area 186.

Radially aligned active area 184 may include common electricalcommunication with active areas on inner polymer layers having the sameradial alignment. Likewise, the other three radially aligned outeractive areas 182, 186, and the back active area not shown, may includecommon electrical communication with their inner layer counterparts. Inone embodiment, transducer 180 comprises four leads that provide commonactuation for each of the four radially aligned active area sets.

FIG. 4M illustrates transducer 180 with radially aligned active area188, and its corresponding radially aligned inner layer active areas,actuated. Actuation of active area 188, and corresponding inner layeractive areas, results in axial expansion of transducer 188 on theopposite side of polymer 182. The result is lateral bending oftransducer 180, approximately 180 degrees from the center point ofactive area 188. The effect may also be measured by the deflection of atop portion 189 of transducer 180, which traces a radial arc from theresting position shown in FIG. 4L to his position at shown in FIG. 4M.Varying the amount of electrical energy provided to active area 188, andcorresponding inner layer active areas, controls the deflection of thetop portion 189 along this arc. Thus, top portion 189 of transducer 180may have a deflection as shown in FIG. 4L, or greater, or a deflectionminimally away from the position shown in FIG. 4L. Similar bending in ananother direction may be achieved by actuating any one of the otherradially aligned active area sets.

Combining actuation of the radially aligned active area sets produces atwo-dimensional space for deflection of top portion 189. For example,radially aligned active area sets 186 and 184 may be actuatedsimultaneously to produce deflection for the top portion in a 45 degreeangle corresponding to the coordinate system shown in FIG. 4L.Decreasing the amount of electrical energy provided to radially alignedactive area set 186 and increasing the amount of electrical energyprovided to radially aligned active area set 184 moves top portion 189closer to the zero degree mark. Suitable electrical control then allowstop portion 189 to trace a path for any angle from 0 to 360 degrees, orfollow variable paths in this two dimensional space.

Transducer 180 is also capable of three-dimensional deflection.Simultaneous actuation of active areas on all four sides of transducer180 will move top portion 189 upward. In other words, transducer 180 isalso a linear actuator capable of axial deflection based on simultaneousactuation of active areas on all sides of transducer 180. Coupling thislinear actuation with the differential actuation of radially alignedactive areas and their resulting two-dimensional deflection as justdescribed above, results in a three dimensional deflection space for thetop portion of transducer 180. Thus, suitable electrical control allowstop portion 189 to move both up and down as well as tracetwo-dimensional paths along this linear axis.

Although transducer 180 is shown for simplicity with four radiallyaligned active area sets disposed at 90 degree increments, it isunderstood that transducers of the present invention capable of two- andthree-dimensional motion may comprise more complex or alternate designs.For example, eight radially aligned active area sets disposed at 45degree increments. Alternatively, three radially aligned active areasets disposed at 120 degree increments may be suitable for 2D and 3-Dmotion.

In addition, although transducer 180 is shown with only one set of axialactive areas, the structure of FIG. 4L is modular. In other words, thefour radially aligned active area sets disposed at 90 degree incrementsmay occur multiple times in an axial direction. For example, radiallyaligned active area sets that allow two- and three-dimensional motionmay be repeated ten times to provide a wave pattern that may beimpressed on a fluid flow.

4. Sensing

Electroactive polymers of the present invention may also be configuredas a sensor. Generally, electroactive polymer sensors of this inventiondetect a “parameter” and/or changes in the parameter. The parameter isusually a physical property of an object such as its temperature,density, strain, deformation, velocity, location, contact, acceleration,vibration, volume, pressure, mass, opacity, concentration, chemicalstate, conductivity, magnetization, dielectric constant, size, etc. Insome cases, the parameter being sensed is associated with a physical“event”. The physical event that is detected may be the attainment of aparticular value or state of a physical or chemical property. Inbiological systems, the physical property may be a biological parameterof the system such as a blood sugar level in the human circulationsystem or a drug concentration.

An electroactive polymer sensor is configured such that a portion of theelectroactive polymer deflects in response to the change in a parameterbeing sensed. The electrical energy state and deflection state of thepolymer are related. The change in electrical energy or a change in theelectrical impedance of an active area resulting from the deflection maythen be detected by sensing electronics in electrical communication withthe active area electrodes. This change may comprise a capacitancechange of the polymer, a resistance change of the polymer, and/orresistance change of the electrodes, or a combination thereof.Electronic circuits in electrical communication with electrodes detectthe electrical property change. If a change in capacitance or resistanceof the transducer is being measured for example, one applies electricalenergy to electrodes included in the transducer and observes a change inthe electrical parameters.

In one embodiment, deflection is input into an active area sensor insome manner via one or more coupling mechanisms. In one embodiment, thechanging property or parameter being measured by the sensor correspondsto a changing property of the electroactive polymer, e.g. displacementor size changes in the polymer, and no coupling mechanism is used.Sensing electronics in electrical communication with the electrodesdetect change output by the active area. In some cases, a logic devicein electrical communication with sensing electronics of sensorquantifies the electrical change to provide a digital or other measureof the changing parameter being sensed. For example, the logic devicemay be a single chip computer or microprocessor that processesinformation produced by sensing electronics. Electroactive polymersensors are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,462, which isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

An active area may be configured such that sensing is performedsimultaneously with actuation of the active area. For a monolithictransducer, one active area may be responsible for actuation and anotherfor sensing. Alternatively, the same active area of a polymer may beresponsible for actuation and sensing. In this case, a low amplitude,high frequency AC (sensing) signal may be superimposed on the driving(actuation) signal. For example, a 1000 Hz sensing signal may besuperimposed on a 10 Hz actuation signal. The driving signal will dependon the application, or how fast the actuator is moving, but drivingsignals in the range from less than 0.1 Hz to about 1 million Hz aresuitable for many applications. In one embodiment, the sensing signal isat least about 10 times faster than the motion being measured. Sensingelectronics may then detect and measure the high frequency response ofthe polymer to allow sensor performance that does not interfere withpolymer actuation. Similarly, if impedance changes are detected andmeasured while the electroactive polymer transducer is being used as agenerator, a small, high-frequency AC signal may be superimposed on thelower-frequency generation voltage signal. Filtering techniques may thenseparate the measurement and power signals.

Active areas of the present invention may also be configured to providevariable stiffness and damping functions. In one embodiment, open looptechniques are used to control stiffness and/or damping of a deviceemploying an electroactive polymer transducer; thereby providing simpledesigns that deliver a desired stiffness and/or damping performancewithout sensor feedback. For example, control electronics in electricalcommunication with electrodes of the transducer may supply asubstantially constant charge to the electrodes. Alternately, thecontrol electronics may supply a substantially constant voltage to theelectrodes. Systems employing an electroactive polymer transducer offerseveral techniques for providing stiffness and/or damping control. Anexemplary circuit providing stiffness/damping control is provided below.

While not described in detail, it is important to note that active areasand transducers in all the figures and discussions for the presentinvention may convert between electrical energy and mechanical energybi-directionally (with suitable electronics). Thus, any of the rolledpolymers, active areas, polymer configurations, transducers, and devicesdescribed herein may be a transducer for converting mechanical energy toelectrical energy (generation, variable stiffness or damping, orsensing) and for converting electrical energy to mechanical energy(actuation, variable stiffness or damping, or sensing). Typically, agenerator or sensor active area of the present invention comprises apolymer arranged in a manner that causes a change in electric field inresponse to deflection of a portion of the polymer. The change inelectric field, along with changes in the polymer dimension in thedirection of the field, produces a change in voltage, and hence a changein electrical energy.

Often the transducer is employed within a device that comprises otherstructural and/or functional elements. For example, external mechanicalenergy may be input into the transducer in some manner via one or moremechanical transmission coupling mechanisms. For example, thetransmission mechanism may be designed or configured to receiveflow-generated mechanical energy and to transfer a portion of theflow-generated mechanical energy to a portion of a polymer where thetransferred portion of the flow generated mechanical energy results in adeflection in the transducer. The flow-generated mechanical energy mayproduce an inertial force or a direct force where a portion of theinertial force or a portion of the direct force is received by thetransmission mechanism.

5. Conditioning Electronics

Devices of the present invention may also rely on conditioningelectronics that provide or receive electrical energy from electrodes ofan active area for one of the electroactive polymer functions mentionedabove. Conditioning electronics in electrical communication with one ormore active areas may include functions such as stiffness control,energy dissipation, electrical energy generation, polymer actuation,polymer deflection sensing, control logic, etc.

For actuation, electronic drivers may be connected to the electrodes.The voltage provided to electrodes of an active area will depend uponspecifics of an application. In one embodiment, an active area of thepresent invention is driven electrically by modulating an appliedvoltage about a DC bias voltage. Modulation about a bias voltage allowsfor improved sensitivity and linearity of the transducer to the appliedvoltage. For example, a transducer used in an audio application may bedriven by a signal of up to 200 to 100 volts peak to peak on top of abias voltage ranging from about 750 to 2000 volts DC.

Suitable actuation voltages for electroactive polymers, or portionsthereof, may vary based on the material properties of the electroactivepolymer, such as the dielectric constant, as well as the dimensions ofthe polymer, such as the thickness of the polymer film. For example,actuation electric fields used to actuate polymer 12 in FIG. 4A mayrange in magnitude from about 0 V/m to about 440 MV/m. Actuationelectric fields in this range may produce a pressure in the range ofabout 0 Pa to about 10 MPa. In order for the transducer to producegreater forces, the thickness of the polymer layer may be increased.Actuation voltages for a particular polymer may be reduced by increasingthe dielectric constant, decreasing the polymer thickness, anddecreasing the modulus of elasticity, for example.

FIG. 4N illustrates an electrical schematic of an open loop variablestiffness/damping system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. System 130 comprises an electroactive polymertransducer 132, voltage source 134, control electronics comprisingvariable stiffness/damping circuitry 136 and open loop control 138, andbuffer capacitor 140.

Voltage source 134 provides the voltage used in system 130. In thiscase, voltage source 134 sets the minimum voltage for transducer 132.Adjusting this minimum voltage, together with open loop control 138,adjusts the stiffness provided by transducer 132. Voltage source 134also supplies charge to system 130. Voltage source 134 may include acommercially available voltage supply, such as a low-voltage batterythat supplies a voltage in the range of about 1-15 Volts, and step-upcircuitry that raises the voltage of the battery. In this case, voltagestep-down performed by step-down circuitry in electrical communicationwith the electrodes of transducer 132 may be used to adjust anelectrical output voltage from transducer 132. Alternately, voltagesource 134 may include a variable step-up circuit that can produce avariable high voltage output from the battery. As will be described infurther detail below, voltage source 134 may be used to apply athreshold electric field as described below to operate the polymer in aparticular stiffness regime.

The desired stiffness or damping for system 130 is controlled byvariable stiffness/damping circuitry 136, which sets and changes anelectrical state provided by control electronics in system 130 toprovide the desired stiffness/damping applied by transducer 132. In thiscase, stiffness/damping circuitry 36 inputs a desired voltage to voltagesource 134 and/or inputs a parameter to open loop control 138.Alternately, if step-up circuitry is used to raise the voltage source134, circuitry 136 may input a signal to the step-up circuitry to permitvoltage control.

As transducer 132 deflects, its changing voltage causes charge to movebetween transducer 132 and buffer capacitor 140. Thus, externallyinduced expansion and contraction of transducer 132, e.g., from avibrating mechanical interface, causes charge to flow back and forthbetween transducer 132 and buffer capacitor 140 through open loopcontrol 138. The rate and amount of charge moved to or from transducer132 depends on the properties of buffer capacitor 140, the voltageapplied to transducer 132, any additional electrical components in theelectrical circuit (such as a resistor used as open loop control 138 toprovide damping functionality as current passes there through), themechanical configuration of transducer 132, and the forces applied to orby transducer 132. In one embodiment, buffer capacitor 140 has a voltagesubstantially equal to that of transducer 132 for zero displacement oftransducer 132, the voltage of system 130 is set by voltage source 134,and open loop control 138 is a wire; resulting in substantially freeflow of charge between transducer 132 and buffer capacitor 140 fordeflection of transducer 132.

Open loop control 138 provides a passive (no external energy supplied)dynamic response for stiffness applied by transducer 132. Namely, thestiffness provided by transducer 132 may be set by the electricalcomponents included in system 130, such as the control electronics andvoltage source 134, or by a signal from control circuitry 136 actingupon one of the electrical components. Either way, the response oftransducer 132 is passive to the external mechanical deflections imposedon it. In one embodiment, open loop control 138 is a resistor. One canalso set the resistance of the resistor to provide an RC time constantrelative to a time of interest, e.g., a period of oscillation in themechanical system that the transducer is implemented in. In oneembodiment, the resistor has a high resistance such that the RC timeconstant of open loop control 138 and transducer 132 connected in seriesis long compared to a frequency of interest. In this case, thetransducer 132 has a substantially constant charge during the time ofinterest. A resistance that produces an RC time constant for theresistor and the transducer in the range of about 5 to about 30 timesthe period of a frequency of interest may be suitable for someapplications. For applications including cyclic motion, increasing theRC time constant much greater than the mechanical periods of interestallows the amount of charge on electrodes of transducer 132 to remainsubstantially constant during one cycle. In cases where the transduceris used for damping, a resistance that produces an RC time constant forthe resistor and the transducer in the range of about 0.1 to about 4times the period of a frequency of interest may be suitable. As one ofskill in the art will appreciate, resistances used for the resistor mayvary based on application, particularly with respect to the frequency ofinterest and the size (and therefore capacitance C) of the transducer132.

In one embodiment of a suitable electrical state used to controlstiffness and/or damping using open loop techniques, the controlelectronics apply a substantially constant charge to electrodes oftransducer 132, aside from any electrical imperfections or circuitdetails that minimally affect current flow. The substantially constantcharge results in an increased stiffness for the polymer that resistsdeflection of transducer 132. One electrical configuration suitable forachieving substantially constant charge is one that has a high RC timeconstant, as described. When the value of the RC time constant of openloop control 138 and transducer 132 is long compared to the frequency ofinterest, the charge on the electrodes for transducer 132 issubstantially constant. Further description of stiffness and/or dampingcontrol is further described in commonly owned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/053,511, which is described herein for all purposes.

For generation, mechanical energy may be applied to the polymer oractive area in a manner that allows electrical energy changes to beremoved from electrodes in contact with the polymer. Many methods forapplying mechanical energy and removing an electrical energy change fromthe active area are possible. Rolled devices may be designed thatutilize one or more of these methods to receive an electrical energychange. For generation and sensing, the generation and utilization ofelectrical energy may require conditioning electronics of some type. Forinstance, at the very least, a minimum amount of circuitry is needed toremove electrical energy from the active area. Further, as anotherexample, circuitry of varying degrees of complexity may be used toincrease the efficiency or quantity of electrical generation in aparticular active area or to convert an output voltage to a more usefulvalue.

FIG. 5A is block diagram of one or more active areas 600 on a transducerthat connected to power conditioning electronics 610. Potentialfunctions that may be performed by the power conditioning electronics610 include but are not limited to 1) voltage step-up performed bystep-up circuitry 602, which may be used when applying a voltage toactive areas 600, 2) charge control performed by the charge controlcircuitry 604 which may be used to add or to remove charge from theactive areas 600 at certain times, 3) voltage step-down performed by thestep-down circuitry 608 which may be used to adjust an electrical outputvoltage to a transducer. All of these functions may not be required inthe conditioning electronics 610. For instance, some transducer devicesmay not use step-up circuitry 602, other transducer devices may not usestep-down circuitry 608, or some transducer devices may not use step-upcircuitry and step-down circuitry. Also, some of the circuit functionsmay be integrated. For instance, one integrated circuit may perform thefunctions of both the step-up circuitry 602 and the charge controlcircuitry 608.

FIG. 5B is a circuit schematic of an rolled device 603 employing atransducer 600 for one embodiment of the present invention. As describedabove, transducers of the present invention may behave electrically asvariable capacitors. To understand the operation of the transducer 603,operational parameters of the rolled transducer 603 at two times, t₁ andt₂ may be compared. Without wishing to be constrained by any particulartheory, a number of theoretical relationships regarding the electricalperformance the generator 603 are developed. These relationships are notmeant in any manner to limit the manner in which the described devicesare operated and are provided for illustrative purposes only.

At a first time, t₁, rolled transducer 600 may possess a capacitance,C₁, and the voltage across the transducer 600 may be voltage 601, V_(B).The voltage 601, V_(B), may be provided by the step-up circuitry 602. Ata second time t₂, later than time t₁, the transducer 600 may posses acapacitance C₂ which is lower than the capacitance C₁. Generallyspeaking, the higher capacitance C1 occurs when the polymer transducer600 is stretched in area, and the lower capacitance C2 occurs when thepolymer transducer 600 is contracted or relaxed in area. Without wishingto bound by a particular theory, the change in capacitance of a polymerfilm with electrodes may be estimated by well known formulas relatingthe capacitance to the film's area, thickness, and dielectric constant.

The decrease in capacitance of the transducer 600 between t₁ and t₂ willincrease the voltage across the transducer 600. The increased voltagemay be used to drive current through diode 616. The diode 615 may beused to prevent charge from flowing back into the step-up circuitry atsuch time. The two diodes, 615 and 616, function as charge controlcircuitry 604 for transducer 600 which is part of the power conditioningelectronics 610 (see FIG. 5A). More complex charge control circuits maybe developed depending on the configuration of the generator 603 and theone or more transducers 600 and are not limited to the design in FIG.5B.

A transducer may also be used as an electroactive polymer sensor tomeasure a change in a parameter of an object being sensed. Typically,the parameter change induces deflection in the transducer, which isconverted to an electrical change output by electrodes attached to thetransducer. Many methods for applying mechanical or electrical energy todeflect the polymer are possible. Typically, the sensing of electricalenergy from a transducer uses electronics of some type. For instance, aminimum amount of circuitry is needed to detect a change in theelectrical state across the electrodes.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a sensor 450 employing a transducer 451according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.6, sensor 450 comprises transducer 451 and various electronics 455 inelectrical communication with the electrodes included in the transducer451. Electronics 455 are designed or configured to add, remove, and/ordetect electrical energy from transducer 451. While many of the elementsof electronics 455 are described as discrete units, it is understoodthat some of the circuit functions may be integrated. For instance, oneintegrated circuit may perform the functions of both the logic device465 and the charge control circuitry 457.

In one embodiment, the transducer 451 is prepared for sensing byinitially applying a voltage between its electrodes. In this case, avoltage, V₁, is provided by the voltage 452. Generally, V₁ is less thanthe voltage required to actuate transducer 451. In some embodiments, alow-voltage battery may supply voltage, V₁, in the range of about 1-15Volts. In any particular embodiment, choice of the voltage, V₁ maydepend on a number of factors such as the polymer dielectric constant,the size of the polymer, the polymer thickness, environmental noise andelectromagnetic interference, compatibility with electronic circuitsthat might use or process the sensor information, etc. The initialcharge is placed on transducer 451 using electronics control sub-circuit457. The electronics control sub-circuit 457 may typically include alogic device such as single chip computer or microcontroller to performvoltage and/or charge control functions on transducer 451. Theelectronics control sub-circuit 457 is then responsible for altering thevoltage provided by voltage 452 to initially apply the relatively lowvoltage on transducer 451.

Sensing electronics 460 are in electrical communication with theelectrodes of transducer 451 and detect the change in electrical energyor characteristics of transducer 451. In addition to detection, sensingelectronics 460 may include circuits configured to detect, measure,process, propagate, and/or record the change in electrical energy orcharacteristics of transducer 451. Electroactive polymer transducers ofthe present invention may behave electrically in several ways inresponse to deflection of the electroactive polymer transducer.Correspondingly, numerous simple electrical measurement circuits andsystems may be implemented within sensing electronics 460 to detect achange in electrical energy of transducer 451. For example, iftransducer 451 operates in capacitance mode, then a simple capacitancebridge may be used to detect changes in transducer 451 capacitance. Inanother embodiment, a high resistance resistor is disposed in serieswith transducer 451 and the voltage drop across the high resistanceresistor is measured as the transducer 451 deflects. More specifically,changes in transducer 451 voltage induced by deflection of theelectroactive polymer are used to drive current across the highresistance resistor. The polarity of the voltage change across resistorthen determines the direction of current flow and whether the polymer isexpanding or contracting. Resistance sensing techniques may also be usedto measure changes in resistance of the polymer included or changes inresistance of the electrodes. Some examples of these techniques aredescribed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,462, which waspreviously incorporated by reference.

6. Applications

Provided below are several exemplary applications for some of thetransducers and devices for performing thermodynamic work on a fluiddescribed above. The exemplary applications described herein are notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. As one skilled inthe art will appreciate, transducers of the present invention may finduse in countless applications requiring conversion between electricaland mechanical energy.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a host 500, such as a human or animal,connected to EPAM devices that perform thermodynamic work on a fluid.The EPAM devices of the present invention may be used to provide adriving force to a fluid in medical applications. In general, the EPAMdevices may be used to move any fluids used in medical treatment of ahost, such as a human or an animal, such as blood, air, drugs in apharmaceutical composition, lymph, food, spinal fluid, waste fluid(e.g., urine), stomach fluid, etc. In particular, the EPAM devices maybe incorporated into medical devices that perform cardiac assistance,such as pumping blood in replace of or in conjunction with a heart. TheEPAM device may be used medical devices for providing air to a humanbody, such as ventilators and pulmonary assist devices to aid peoplewith difficult breathing.

In yet other embodiments, the EPAM device may be used to providethermodynamic work to fluids as part of 1) a dialysis devices (e.g.,pumping the fluids into and out of the body), 2) a plasmaphoresis device(e.g., moving the plasma into and out of the body), 3) a blood pumpingdevice (e.g., pumping blood into the body as part of a transfusion) and4) a drug delivery device (e.g., pumping a drug from an IV or deliveringa drug via a device implanted in the body).

The EPAM devices for performing thermodynamic work may be external tothe body 501 (extra-corporal) and connected to the body in some manner.For instance, a dialysis machine or a device for circulating bloodduring a heart transplant operation that are connected to the body mayuse EPAM devices of the present invention. The EPAM devices may belocated internally in the body. For instance, a medical device 502 fordelivering a drug, such as insulin, may be implanted under the skin anduse an EPAM device to pump the insulin into the body. In anotherembodiment, the implanted device 502 may be an artificial heart or aheart assisted device for aiding a damaged or diseased heart. In yetother embodiments, the EPAM devices for performing thermodynamic work ona fluid may be wearable. For instance, a person may wear a device 503,such as EPAM pumping device, for delivering a drug.

In other embodiments, the EPAM devices for performing thermodynamic workmay be used in suits or apparatus used in extreme environments. Forinstance, the EPAM devices may be used to move and control fluids indive suits, to circulate fluids in biological/chemical protection suitsand to circulate fluids in fire protection suits. The circulated fluidsmay be used for thermal control, such as regulating and cooling bodytemperature as well as to provide a breathable fluid. The fluids may becirculated within a space defined within the suit or within conduitsresiding in the materials used for the suits.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of automobile and automobile subsystems 515that employ EPAM devices that perform thermodynamic work on a fluid. Ingeneral, the EPAM devices for performing thermodynamic work may be usedto perform thermodynamic work on any fluids used in an automotivesubsystem. In particular, the EPAM devices may be used in the enginecooling subsystem 509 to pump fluids in internal conduits, such as airor water, that are used to cool the engine. The EPAM devices may be usedin cooling fans or devices used to move air externally over engineparts, such as the engine block or the radiator.

In yet other embodiments, the EPAM devices may be used in the windshieldfluid system to pump windshield wiper fluid to the windshield. The EPAMdevices may be used in the fuel/air system 507 as part of a fuel pumpused to bring fuel to the engine or as part of an air pump/compressorsystem used in the engine. The EPAM devices may be used in theheating/AC system 505 to move heated or cooled air to the passengercompartment, to pump refrigerants or as part of cooling fans for therefrigeration system. The EPAM devices may be used as part of anengine/oil system 511 as a component in an oil pump. The EPAM devicesmay be used as part of the exhaust/pollution control system 506 to moveexhaust gasses through the system.

In a particular embodiment, the EPAM devices may be used as part of thetire system 510 to add compressed air to the tire. The tire pump may belocated on each of the tires allowing the tire to self-regulate its owntire pressure. The EPAM tire pump may be connected to sensor(s) thatmeasures the pressure in the tire, road conditions (e.g., dry, wet, icy,etc.) and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature). From the sensordata, the EPAM tire pump 510 may determine the proper tire pressure andadjust the pressure of the tire while the automobile is being driven, atthe start of a trip and/or during stops. The tire pump may be connectedto a sensor control system in the automobile.

FIG. 7C is a block diagram of an EPAM device for performingthermodynamic work on a fluid in an inkjet printer head 520. The inkjetprinter head may include a plurality capillary tube nozzles 523, whichmay be constructed from the EPAM material. An EPAM valve 524 may be usedwith each nozzle to control flow into the nozzle 523. An EPAM micro-rollactuator 521 may be used to pump ink for each nozzle from an inkreservoir 522 and to pressurize the ink prior to release from the nozzle523. Details of EPAM valves and nozzles that may be used with thepresent invention are described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.10/383,005, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, by Heim, et al., and entitled,“Electroactive Polymer Devices for Controlling Fluid Flow”, previouslydescribed herein.

In one embodiment, integrated EPAM device may perform the functions of apump, a valve and a nozzle. The single EPAM element may perform thepressurizing of the fluid (e.g., ink), then may open the valve 524 ofthe spray nozzle 523 (also called a pintle) at the end or at some timedportion of the stroke of the pump portion of the EPAM device. Thepressurized liquid may then be atomized as it flows through the nozzle.This embodiment may be used where precise metering of an atomized sprayis needed, such as inkjet head or fuel injectors in an automobile.

7. Conclusion

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents thatfall within the scope of this invention which have been omitted forbrevity's sake. For example, although the present invention has beendescribed in terms of several specific electrode materials, the presentinvention is not limited to these materials and in some cases mayinclude air as an electrode. In addition, although the present inventionhas been described in terms of circular rolled geometries, the presentinvention is not limited to these geometries and may include rolleddevices with square, rectangular, or oval cross sections and profiles.It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims.

1. A device for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, the devicecomprising: one or more transducers, each transducer comprising at leasttwo electrodes and an electroactive polymer in electrical communicationwith the at least two electrodes wherein a portion of the electroactivepolymer is arranged to deflect from a first position to a secondposition in response to a change in electric field, and wherein theelectroactive polymer has a maximum actuation pressure between about0.05 MPa and about 10 MPa; at least one surface in contact with a fluidand operatively coupled to the one or more transducers wherein thedeflection of the portion of the electroactive polymer causes thethermodynamic work to be imparted to the fluid and wherein thethermodynamic work is transmitted to the fluid via the at least onesurface.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the maximum actuationpressure is between about 0.3 MPa and about 3 MPa.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of apump, a compressor, a hydraulic actuator, a fan and combinationsthereof.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the deflection of the portionof the electroactive polymer changes the at least one surface from afirst shape to a second shape.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein thefluid is one of compressible, incompressible or combinations thereof. 6.The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is one of a Newtonian or anon-Newtonian fluid.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid isselected from the group consisting of a gas, a plasma, a liquid, amixture of two or more immiscible liquids, a supercritical fluid, aslurry, a suspension, and combinations thereof.
 8. The device of claim1, wherein the deflection of the portion of the electroactive polymergenerates one of rotational motion, linear motion, vibrational motion orcombinations thereof for the at least one surface.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the thermodynamic work provides a driving force to movethe fluid from a first location to a second location.
 10. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more fluid conduits used to provideat least a portion of a flow path for allowing the fluid to travelthrough the device.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising afluid conduit wherein the deflection of the portion of the electroactivepolymer generates a peristaltic motion in the fluid conduit to move thefluid through the fluid conduit.
 12. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more valves for controlling one of a flow rate, a flowdirection and combinations thereof of the fluid through the flow path.13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a heat exchanger foradding or for removing heat energy from the fluid.
 14. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the deflection of the portion of the polymer induces awave like motion in the at least one surface and wherein the wave likemotion imparts the thermodynamic work to the fluid.
 15. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a fluid conduit wherein the deflection ofthe portion of electroactive polymer generates a wave-like motion in thefluid conduit to move fluid in the fluid conduit through the conduit.16. The device of claim 1, further comprising an output shaft designedto receive a hydraulic force generated from a pressure in the fluid. 17.The device of claim 16, wherein the deflection in the portion of theelectroactive polymer causes the pressure in the fluid to increase andprovide the hydraulic force for moving the output shaft.
 18. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the deflection of the portion of the electroactivepolymer further causes a change in a characteristic of the fluid that istransmitted to the fluid via the at least one surface.
 19. The device ofclaim 18, wherein the characteristic of the fluid is selected from thegroup consisting of a flow rate, a flow direction, a flow vorticity, aflow momentum, mixing, flow turbulence, fluid energy, a fluidthermodynamic property, and a fluid rheological property.
 20. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the electroactive polymer comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of a silicone elastomer, an acrylicelastomer, a polyurethane, and a combination thereof.
 21. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising an insulation barrier designed or configuredto protect the at least one surface from constituents of the fluid incontact with the at least one surface.
 22. The device of claim 1,wherein the electroactive polymer is elastically pre-strained at thefirst position to improve a mechanical response of the electroactivepolymer between the first position and second position.
 23. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the device is a pump comprising one of the groupconsisting of a bellows bump, a centrifugal pump, a diaphragm pump, arotary pump, a gear pump and an air-lift pump.